NASCAR legend Mario Andretti makes feelings known about his ‘non-executive’ role with F1’s newest and 11th team on the grid

NASCAR legend Mario Andretti has shared his thoughts on General Motors/Cadillac entering F1 as the 11th team. Andretti expressed his excitement over possibly taking on a 'non-executive' role where he will be part of the team but not in day-to-day operations, saying he does not want to work.

Andretti is a former racing driver who drove in racing series like NASCAR and F1. While his stock car racing stint was short-lived, his career in open-wheel formula racing was impressive. In 1978, he became the second American driver to win the F1 championship following Phil Hill.

Moreover, Mario Andretti is the father of Michael, the owner of Andretti Global, an American motorsports organization that has ties with General Motors and Cadillac.

Andretti took to X (formerly) and shared his participation in GM's entry to F1.

"I feel very lucky that I've been able to stick around for this long and do what I love for so long."

The 84-year-old former racing driver added:

"And the idea that the Cadillac F1 Team wants me around....I'll help where I can, a non-executive role with the team, not involved in day-to-day operations (because I don't want a job), but offering advice, inspiration, friendship anywhere I can. I am beyond fortunate."

General Motors/Cadillac is expected to join the F1 grid as the 11th team in 2026 when a major regulation change will be implemented. Another major plan from GM is to enter as an engine supplier just like fellow American manufacturer Ford.

This, however, is not the first time F1 will see more than 10 teams competing on track. The 2016 season was the last time the racing series had 11 teams, though the grid even had up to 26 cars in previous years.

General Motors is set to join Ford and Audi as the new manufacturers entering F1 in 2026.

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Mario Andretti once questioned F1 and the FIA over GM's entry

Mario Andretti signs autographs during qualifying for the Firestone Grand Prix - Source: Imagn

While F1 has approved General Motors' bid to become the 11th team on the grid, the entry isn't a walk in the park, with the series once rejecting the request. Last year, Andretti questioned F1 and the FIA over their 11th team bid as they faced opposition despite complying with the requirements.

Speaking to German outlet AMuS, Mario Andretti said:

“The FIA has already asked us many very specific questions, and we were able to answer all of them to complete satisfaction. The [FIA] President has everything in writing that is needed for an explanation. When that wasn’t enough, we needed a manufacturer – commitment demanded. We delivered it. What else should we deliver?”

Fast forward to today, GM is set to compete against F1 teams like Ferrari and Red Bull in 2026.

While F1 said it would provide more updates on the expansion, the growing presence of the sport in the US could be among the reasons for approval.

The racing series holds three races in the country including the United Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas where NASCAR also races, though a new and different layout is set for the stock car racing league's 2025 season.