Mario Andretti assures that his F1 team will meet all requirements to join the grid by 2026, following a prior bid rejection, continuing efforts at full speed.
1978 F1 World Champion, Mario Andretti, has told Formula One Management (FOM) through the media that the prospective eponymous F1 team led by his son Michael will “do everything you ask of us” to join the starting grid in 2026.
Andretti’s bid was rejected by FOM in January, but the door remains open for another entry attempt for the 2028 season when Andretti would have a General Motors power unit.
Despite the setback, Andretti’s work continues at a steady pace, and the team has even set up in Silverstone.
“We are trying to tell them: ‘We will do everything you ask of us.’ We will use whatever is available,” Mario Andretti told the Associated Press.
Andretti has launched a recruitment campaign in the UK with 60 positions available, plans to develop a presence in Formula 3 and Formula 2, has already conducted crash tests on the nose components of its F1 car, and aims to develop a complete prototype chassis by the end of the year.
Even though Andretti is willing to comply with FOM’s wishes, he recently stated he was “offended” when it was suggested that the team did not have “sufficient value” for F1.
“I don’t think we deserve that, to be honest with you. It’s a significant investment and you would think they would appreciate it. GM has said it over and over, it’s ‘Andretti or nothing.'”
Mario Andretti acknowledged that a lack of communication between the parties was “a problem” and is looking forward to continuing discussions during F1’s visit to Florida next week.
“We haven’t had enough meetings. I think that’s why I am really looking forward to the next one in Miami.”
“Some opportunities have been missed along the way, but we need to look forward and not back.”
“I remain hopeful because we never stop working towards this. It has been clearly stated that our work is progressing at a steady pace and, as you can see, we are not just talking.”
“We are putting together the bricks and mortar. We’ve shown this with the team that already has a place in Silverstone.”
Andretti is adamant that if FOM has a requirement, it just needs to inform the team and they will comply.
“But they haven’t told us yet, apart from 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 be embarrassed or shamed, and the fact is General Motors has clearly expressed excitement about this project. They have a long-term commitment to our project and I don’t know what else we can do.”
“I still don’t know the reasons because let’s be reasonable. We are all racers. We are all professionals. We are trying to advance the cause for all of us. I have never been disrespected in person, but it has been done from a distance, and I don’t think we deserve that.”
Andretti Pledges Full Compliance for F1 Entry. Andretti Pledges Full Compliance for F1 Entry
- ReadMore>F1’s Cost Cap: Symonds Hails Key to Sport’s Future
- Following us on Facebook and Twitter
