Mario Andretti, the former Formula 1 world champion, is finally set to become a director on the board of the newly approved Cadillac F1 team, marking the return of this renowned American carmaker with its racing partner Andretti Global to the grid in 2026. However, the road to this point has been long and fraught with pain, with Andretti Global’s application initially denied by F1’s commercial side in early 2024. But after investor Dan Towriss took control of the organization from his son, Michael Andretti, and GM stepped up its commitments, the racing team is finally having its moment—albeit under the GM and Cadillac brand. Mario Andretti, speaking to NBC News about achieving his dream and his role in the new team, expressed his elation, likening Formula 1 to the Olympics of motorsports, filled with national pride. He looked forward to his team’s performance on the track, much like our athletes at the Olympics standing on the podium to the sound of the national anthem. While this news is certainly a cause for celebration, it can’t help but raise questions about whether Andretti, the legend, can truly bring the ‘magic’ he speaks of to this new outfit, or if this is just another example of a ‘dream come true’?