With support from GM, Andretti insists on entering F1 despite obstacles

Despite setbacks, Andretti maintains hopes of joining F1 with the support of General Motors.

1978 Formula 1 world champion Mario Andretti has expressed displeasure at the sport’s lack of belief in his bid to join the grid in the near future. Although a proposal to form its own team was rejected by F1 earlier this year, even with approval from the FIA, the American organization was not deterred and continues its efforts to establish its team as quickly as possible.

Earlier this month, Andretti opened a new facility at Silverstone as a hub for his future F1 team. The operation is being led by Michael, Mario’s son, who admitted he felt offended by F1’s rejection after the initial investment. “I was offended, actually. I don’t think we deserved it, to be honest with you,” Andretti told the Associated Press. “It’s a huge investment in the series, and you’d think they’d welcome it. Even the series value is more valuable with 11 teams than 10, so I don’t know. Tell us what is really wrong.”

Andretti and F1 are expected to enter into dialogue in Miami next month, where Mario hopes to clear up any misconceptions about his proposal. “We only had one meeting with them,” he said. “This is a problem. We didn’t have enough. I think that’s why I really appreciate our next meeting.”

Additionally, Andretti has the backing of General Motors, which has signed on to join as a power unit builder starting in 2028. “We’re trying to say ‘We’ll do whatever you ask us to do. We will do whatever is necessary. Now, if you think of something, tell us,’” Andretti added. “But they haven’t told us anything yet, except for some excuses like, ‘Oh, we don’t want you to come, we don’t want you to be embarrassed.’ But we don’t want to embarrass ourselves, and the fact is that General Motors has made it very clear that they are excited about this project. They have a long-term commitment there, and I don’t know what else we can do.”

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