Mario Andretti’s son, Michael Andretti, aims to create an all-new American team in Formula 1 for a 2024 entry. The son of 1978 F1 World Champion and four-time IndyCar champion previously planned to buy out the Alfa Romeo team. Since the deal fell through, Mario tweeted that he has applied to the FIA with the team name “Andretti Global”. He also commented that he supposedly has the required USD 200 million as an entry fee for his new team.
Plans for Formula 1
Formula 1 as a sport has not had more than 10 teams since 2016, despite the rules allowing up to 13. Therefore, Andretti plans to join the sport as the 11th team as he already manages IndyCar and Formula E teams. Based on his experience so far, it isn’t surprising to see him use his resources to tackle another single-seater project. Sources state that Mario has already decided on a location for his team’s headquarters along with a potential engine supplier.
However, F1 already has “Haas” as their first American team who may view “Andretti Global” encroaching upon their American values. The “Hass” F1 team consists of American team owner Gene Haas, with their headquarter located in North Carolina, USA. The team also consists of technical director Simone Resta, team principal Guenther Steiner with racing drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin. This proves that F1 as a sport is a melting pot of many different nationalities trying to represent themselves.
Expected Driver Line-up
Speculation suggests that Mario will differentiate himself from Hass by employing an American F1 driver to join the team. Despite Hass having American drivers on their NASCAR team, the transfer of skillsets is not all that feasible. Based on rumours, Andretti may employ American driver Colton Herta from his IndyCar team for his first-ever attempt at Formula 1.
In multiple instances, many F1 drivers find success in IndyCar after their retirement due to similar natures of the sports. Therefore, it’s not surprising if Herta does decide to do the opposite and make his move to F1 from IndyCar. Additionally, having another American team with an American driver line-up will help bring in more US-based viewership for F1. Adding to F1’s steadily rising popularity is Netflix’s new series ‘Drive to Survive’ and a new race in Miami for 2022.
Also Read: Sandeep Kumar is the Volkswagen Polo Championship Trophy winner with 359 points
