Andretti responds to Domenicali: “All we have done is show enthusiasm”
After Stefano Domenicali's comment describing Andretti's approach as unintelligent, Mario Andretti responds.
In a recent interview, Stefano Domenicali expressed himself about the potential arrival of an eleventh team on the grid. He then criticized the statements made by Andretti. « There are teams like Mario and Michael Andretti who do not hide their desire to enter Formula 1. But in my opinion, it is not smart to say that teams are greedy. There are others who are much quieter and would like to enter Formula 1. »
Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion and father of Michael Andretti, responded to the comment made by the president of Formula 1. He stated in an interview with PlanetF1.com, « All we have done is show our enthusiasm, maybe myself in anticipation of seeing Michael enter Formula 1 ».”
« I don’t think there should be anything wrong with that. As for the rest, we are all following the protocols, I think everything is in place right now. »
Indeed, Domenicali also pointed out that the future eleventh team must meet all the necessary criteria. « There is therefore a process to follow and we will ensure, together with the FIA, that this process is respected. There are many dimensions to consider and we do not have to overreact if someone is against it. »
Andretti has concluded an agreement with General Motors through Cadillac, which according to Mario Andretti, increases the team’s legitimacy and proves their respect for the protocol.
« We did everything the “system” asked of us, including reaching out to General Motors, the largest American car manufacturer, he declared. « A long-term commitment from an automotive giant. Of course, we are going to talk about it – because it’s big news. If others are less talkative, it’s perhaps because they have nothing exciting to share, he explains.
It creates stability, it creates a strong commitment. I mean, General Motors, a giant among car manufacturers, committing to Formula 1. I hope that will make all the difference. And Michael [Andretti, his son] brought that to the table.
While the FIA has launched a call for tenders to host a new team starting from 2024, Andretti has been claiming its place on the grid for already a year and demands one thing, to get it before 2026 and the new engine regulations. « The only thing that is crucial for us is to be on the grid, at least, in 2025. That’s the commitment that has been clearly made. Cadillac wants to make sure that we have at least one season under our belt before the new rule comes into effect, where they come into play with their engine, so that’s what needs to happen for us to have all the pieces in place. »
