Mario Andretti demands that the Andretti-Cadillac F1 bid “better” be approved

Mario Andretti is keen on F1 approving the Andretti-Cadillac F1 bid.

Mario Andretti demands that the Andretti-Cadillac F1 bid “better” be approved

Mario Andretti (Image via PlanetF1)

Andretti is one of the biggest names in motorsport. The family has had a long legacy in a whole host of series including Formula 1. However, this iconic name has been missing from the pinnacle of motorsport for some time now. Former F1 driver Michael Andretti has been trying to get an Andretti F1 team in F1 by 2026 with the support of General Motors’ Cadillac brand.

Unfortunately, Michael has faced opposition to his proposed team by the F1 paddock. Team bosses such as Toto Wolff and Christian Horner have questioned the value Andretti-Cadillac could bring to the sport. Michael’s father and F1 world champion Mario Andretti want his son’s bid to be accepted by F1 as the 83-year-old believes his team could do wonders for F1.

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The former F1 champion was asked if the Andretti-Cadillac bid will get the nod to race in F1. The 83-year-old replied, “It better.” He hinted that the proposal should be approved by the sport. Mario compared his son’s bid to the Haas F1 team. He highlighted that Haas is not interested in signing an American driver, while Andretti already is committed to having at least one American in its line-up.

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Mario Andretti says it will be good for Cadillac to enter F1

Mario Andretti during the 2019 United States GP, image via RacingNews365
Mario Andretti during the 2019 United States GP (Image via RacingNews365)

The elder Andretti mentioned that the entry of the biggest US automaker General Motors would benefit F1 substantially. Mario Andretti said, “Let’s face it, as international as Formula 1 is to have a truly, solid American team and manufacturer, it’s got to be good for them.” Moreover, the 83-year-old made it clear that Andretti-Cadillac would be in for the long term in the sport.

The Italian American believed that more teams can help provide such insurance to the F1 grid that is currently under the stress of a 23-race calendar. Moreover, Mario reaffirmed the commercial benefits of an all-American F1 team. F1 has been expanding in the United States recently, with three races held this season.

Thus, Mario Andretti has once again highlighted the massive benefits F1 could have if the Andretti-Cadillac bid is successful. Yet, there seems to be a long way to go for the ambitions of the American family. The existing teams are skeptical over the prospects of an Andretti team in F1 and would prefer to give this slot to a full-fledged team instead.

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