The great Andretti name could soon be on the Formula 1 grid according to racing legend Mario Andretti who revealed that his son Michael Andretti is keen to grow his team and have it participate in the top flight in the near future.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mario Andretti said of his son’s aspirations, “He has that ambition to be an owner in F1. It’s one of his goals at the moment for sure. We talk about it and he’s serious. That’s what he wants.”
“It’s part of Michael’s ongoing growth goals. He keeps all options open and F1 is not just talk. There are some tangibles but it’s still early days, it’s going to be a couple of years.”
“Michael’s waiting for the financial situation and distribution element to become clear. It’s being evaluated now but he’s thinking about it for sure. He’s very ambitious.”
“This has been our life. This is what we know and love. We are in the business and Michael’s been successful. He knows how to put people together,” added the only man to win the Indy 500, Daytona 500 and F1 world championship
Andretti Autosport competes in the IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, the FIA Formula E Championship and have dabbled in RallyCross, GT Racing and Touring Cars.
Last year McLaren teamed up with Andretti Autosport to run Fernando Alonso in the Indianapolis 500, the Spaniard’s future is uncertain at this stage of the season but there is speculation he may quit Formula 1 and race in the Indycar series next year.
McLaren chief Zak Brown is said to have met with Indycar chiefs in Detroit recently to pave the way for an entry.
Andretti senior explained, “It’s McLaren’s choice but we know the relationship they had with Michael was very positive. I think in good time they will make an official announcement.”
“If McLaren decides to have a team in IndyCar I think it’s likely to be in conjunction with Michael. It makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.”
“Fernando knows what the future will be at McLaren. He doesn’t have many other options in F1 at the moment for other teams and that’s the problem.”
“Unless he can be a winner with McLaren in the next year or two then it’s decision time for him to do something else. He’s certainly not ready to retire. He loves driving too much and that’s evident.”
“He wants to spread his wings and say he won all the majors, not just be someone who specialised in their own discipline.”
“That was the most satisfying part of my career when I look back. It’s great to say you’ve been there and done that. We talked about it a bit and Fernando’s in the same frame of mind,” added one of the most successful race drivers of all time.
Big Question: Would an Andretti Autosport team be good for Formula 1?