Michael Andretti, son of 1978 Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti, has made his vision for F1 very clear in recent times, with the American intent on entering the sport in some capacity in the near future.
Andretti attempted to purchase Sauber back in 2021, however he fell short as the team is now set to become Audi in 2026 and provide its own powertrains.
Following the failed takeover, Andretti has now outlined his plans to enter Formula 1 as a new team called ‘Andretti Global’, having reportedly already submitted paperwork to the FIA earlier this year.
Following the start of the team’s headquarters construction over in the USA, Andretti has provided an update on his team’s progress.
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“Yeah we’re still moving forward,” claimed the American.
“We’re still working hard. I think we made pretty good progress in the last couple of months and we’re not giving up.”
While both Mario and Michael Andretti are clearly very confident about their chances of securing a place in Formula 1, there have been no suggestions from those high up in the sport that there are plans in place to increase the number of teams on the grid.
F1 chief Stefano Domenicali has suggested that Andretti’s comments in the media about his desire to join the sport will not help his chances, reminding the 60-year-old that there are protocols to follow regardless.
“it’s a matter of understanding not only the ones that have a bigger or louder voice, there will be others,” explained Domenicali.
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“Andretti was quite vocal about his request, but there are others that are saying in a different way.
“Mario I know him very well since a long time – he’s trying to present his idea in a way that he thought is the right way to do, but I believe there is a governance in place, and the decision has to follow the protocol that is in place.”
Taking over an existing team would be a much easier process for the Andrettis, however with Sauber being purchased by Audi and Helmut Marko insisting that Red Bull and AlphaTauri will be going nowhere despite the passing of Dietrich Mateschitz, the pair will be forced to wait for the F1 hierarchy to accept them as a new challenger.