Cadillac's Formula 1 racecar will have a legendary name pushing it forward: Mario Andretti.

The American F1 team said Friday it's naming its first chassis the "MAC-26" -- the Mario Andretti Chassis 2026 --honoring the 1978 World Champion.

"Naming our first chassis MAC-26 reflects the spirit Mario carried into Formula 1 and the belief than an American team belongs on this stage," Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss said. "His story embodies the American dream and inspires how we approach building this team every day."

Andretti, who won 12 Grands Prix, said: "Racing has been the joy of my life. It is the ultimate compliment that the Cadillac Formula 1 team sees those years as meaningful and worthy of recording with this honor. I cherish the opportunity that this gives me to have a lasting bond with F1 and am genuinely appreciative of everyone who continues to acknowledge my part in racing history."

Cadillac joins the grid this year as the 11th team, launching next weekend at the Australian Grand Prix. Mario Andretti was crucial to the US team's efforts after his son Michael's team was shot down by Formula 1 officials. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will drive for Cadillac this season, which is running Ferrari engines until its own powertrain program launches.