Mario Andretti believes Andretti-Cadillac will be able to persuade its critics and join Formula 1
Mario Andretti has asserted his stance on the value that the Andretti F1 team will bring to Formula 1.
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Mario Andretti during the 2019 United States GP, image via RacingNews365
Andretti Autosport is presently trying to secure a place in Formula 1. However, the team has faced backlash from the existing F1 teams despite roping in US automaker General Motors under the Cadillac brand. Subsequently, Michael’s father and former F1 world champion, Mario Andretti asserted his confidence in the Andretti-Cadillac F1 bid.
Mario took a diplomatic stance on the criticism Andretti has received. The 82-year-old expressed the team’s commitment to following the procedure for its F1 proposal as stated by the FIA. Mario Andretti said, “Everyone looks after their interests. But all we’re trying to do is just follow whatever protocol is in place and respond to whatever is requested of us.”
The American driver gave credit to his son Michael Andretti for the project. Mario stated, “I’m the father with pride, and the more that [Michael Andretti] is involved in the sport, the more it gives me a reason to be part of it and be somewhat active.” Additionally, Mario Andretti believes Andretti Autosport is doing the needful as demanded by stakeholders. He continued, “That’s where we are; we’re working very hard to satisfy everything that’s asked of us. I don’t know what else we can do.”
Andretti spoke further on the benefit the sport will receive from adding a new manufacturer. Mario said, “we feel we’re bringing something to the party. We have a commitment from General Motors with Cadillac; it’s a huge investment in our sport.” Additionally, the 82-year-old affirmed that Andretti could help exploit F1’s new-found popularity in the US. He continued, “the US fan base is so strong. Let’s have a team that represents this country properly.”
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“We’re not just starting from scratch,” Mario Andretti said on the Andretti-Cadillac F1 bid
Mario Andretti voiced his opinion regarding the critics against Andretti’s F1 endeavor. The 82-year-old mentioned that team bosses such as Toto Wolff are passionate racers themselves and would certainly understand this project. He stated, “They would understand where we’re coming from; I mean, these are racers; they’re part of the sport, it’s been part of their lives.”
Subsequently, Mario is certain that the existing teams know Michael Andretti‘s F1 team will not start from a blank slate. Mario Andretti continued, “They know that we’re not just starting from scratch.” Moreover, the 82-year-old was vocal that Andretti is not a newcomer to motorsport as it has a rich legacy behind its iconic name. Mario elaborated, “We’re not coming from the outside; we’re insiders.”
Andretti is confident about the value its team brings to F1
Mario Andretti was glad to have General Motors commit to the project publicly. Apparently, the team was directed to bring in an automaker to join the F1 grid. Mario stated, “we’ve been told you bring in the manufacturer you’re in, so we’ll see what happens.” The 82-year-old was optimistic that a Ford and GM rivalry would be a delight for fans after Ford’s entry with Red Bull. “That’s what it’s all about competition at the highest level and to (have) two major US manufacturers now in F1.”
Thus, the 82-year-old has affirmed Andretti Autorsport’s stance to enter Formula 1. Michael Andretti has tried extensively to get the support of the existing teams on the grid. However, presently, teams are skeptical of the value this endeavor brings to the sport. However, Andretti has won the support of FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Hence, only time will tell whether fans will see the Andretti name make a return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)