The former champion of the 1978 Formula 1 World Championship expressed his deep disappointment on social media after F1 rejected Andretti and General Motors’ application to expand the current grid to accommodate a two-car American team. F1’s decision came after a six-month thorough review of Andretti’s application, which was personally delivered by both Mario and Michael Andretti, as well as GM, who planned to partner with Andretti under their Cadillac brand in F1.
F1 stated that they do not believe Andretti would be a competitive team and that the Andretti name does not bring the value to the series that Michael Andretti believes it does. They also claimed that entering the grid in the next two years would present a challenge that Andretti has never faced before.
Mario Andretti expressed his offense with F1’s reasoning, stating that they did not deserve this treatment considering the significant investment they were willing to make in the series. He also pointed out that having 11 teams instead of 10 would increase the value of the series. Andretti questioned F1’s decision-making and requested a clear explanation.
Andretti also disagreed with F1 questioning GM’s ability to provide an engine for the new team, while at the same time asking GM to find another team to partner with. He considered this statement offensive and emphasized that Andretti was GM’s preferred choice. Andretti expressed his confusion about F1’s motives and declared his readiness to fight for their cause.
Andretti Cadillac recently inaugurated a new facility in Silverstone, England, for its F1 operations. The team and GM are committed to continuing their efforts to enter F1 and have stated that progress is moving quickly. Following the facility’s inauguration, the Andretti leadership group had their first official meeting with the FOM, after an email request from the F1 governing body went unnoticed in Andretti’s spam folder. Andretti stated that the groups agreed to meet again at the Miami Grand Prix next month.
Andretti acknowledged that they have only had one meeting with the FOM so far, which he considers a problem. He expressed the need for more meetings and looks forward to the next one. Andretti remains hopeful and focused on moving forward, despite some missed opportunities along the way. He emphasized their ongoing efforts and the tangible progress they have made, as demonstrated by the team’s new facility in Silverstone.
“We are expressing our willingness to fulfill any request or task given to us. We are open to any opportunities that arise. If you have any ideas, please let us know,” Andretti expressed. “However, they have not provided us with specific instructions, except for some excuses like ‘We don’t want you to participate because we don’t want you to feel embarrassed.’ But we don’t want to be embarrassed. The truth is that General Motors has shown great enthusiasm for this project. They have a long-term commitment, and we are not sure what more we can do.
According to Andretti, regulations state that having 11 or 12 teams is allowed. He also mentioned that the team is committed to participating in the F2 and F3 categories to support American talents. “We are fully committed and not sure what additional actions we can take.”
Andretti, who won 12 F1 races and clinched a championship, is widely considered one of the greatest drivers in history. He stated that he is treated with respect at F1 events, but does not understand why the same respect is not extended to his son, Michael. Michael Andretti had a challenging season in 1993, participating in only 13 races. Like his father, Michael is considered one of the greatest in American motorsport.
“I still don’t understand the reasons behind this, because let’s be reasonable. We are all drivers. We are all professionals. We are striving to advance the interests of all of us,” expressed Andretti. “I have never experienced disrespect personally, but it has been evident from a distance, and I don’t believe we deserve it.”
Andretti shared that the team’s goal is to be on the F1 grid until 2026. When they conveyed this to the FOM, series representatives mentioned that they had assumed the team intended to be on the grid until 2025. Despite this process starting in 2021 with Andretti’s unsuccessful attempt to acquire Sauber, the goal remains 2026.
Furthermore, he stated that F1’s refusal to accept Andretti is “undoubtedly related to the financial aspect, no doubt.” The existing 10 teams are not willing to share their revenue with a newcomer. (Reporting by Jenna Fryer)
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