Michael Andretti disappointed by the resistance from teams regarding Andretti’s entry into Formula 1

Michael Andretti dreams of making his comeback in Formula 1. For several weeks now, the subject has been gathering increasing interest. Recently, the FIA has deemed that all the necessary criteria have been fulfilled, although this does not guarantee a spot for his team on the starting grid.

The Andretti family has always been closely associated with the world of motor racing. Mario, Michael’s father, won the F1 championship in 1978. Although his son did not achieve notable success in this category (he stayed less than a year at McLaren in 1993), he was crowned champion in CART in 1991. After his brief stint in F1, he returned to CART until 2002. Since his retirement from the sport, Michael has remained involved in the automotive industry as the manager of Andretti Autosport in Indycar.

Installing F1 in the United States

For six years, Michael Andretti has been striving to integrate his team into the highly exclusive circle of Formula 1. The American businessman wants the championship to have 11 teams. « “It would be very beneficial for F1 to explore the American market,” said the director in an interview with Bloomberg. « In recent years, the series has attracted a new audience. If we were to enter F1, it would be in partnership with Cadillac and with an American driver in the car. Our cars would be entirely made in the United States, with local companies and a local driver. There would be significant interest from the country, much more than for Haas, which is somewhat of a mini version of Ferrari with engineers from the Italian team. »

Michael Andretti is working on the steps to get his team into the paddock. For many seasons, the number of teams has been limited to 10. The current teams are not pleased with the arrival of the American. From a financial standpoint, the shares would be redistributed and a new competitor would appear on the track. “I expected disagreements, but not such reluctance,” admits the 61-year-old businessman. “However, I believe that everyone would benefit from it. There would be a more loyal audience following the races. Therefore, it would strengthen the economy. The reputation of our group in the United States could attract new spectators and improve the show.”

Andretti will not give up in case of access denied.

Michael Andretti is aware of the difficulty of performing in Formula 1 and competing in races in this championship. He discovered this world as a driver and has been trying to enter it for several years. « The F1 is not comparable to Indycar », explained the former McLaren driver. « In Indycar, you just have to buy the car. In Formula 1, you have to build it entirely. »

In case of refusal to access the Formula 1 world, the director of the car manufacturer said he would be very disappointed. However, he does not plan to give up and intends to try again in case of refusal. The difficult moments are the ones that shape us, the American declared. We will become stronger to try our luck again. We will build a solid project.

The American team hopes to secure a spot in the championship for the 2026 season.