Michael Andretti set to enter NASCAR as his plan to enter Formula 1 faces backlash

Michael Andretti wants to launch a NASCAR Cup Series team soon, and talks have already begun.

Michael Andretti set to enter NASCAR as his plan to enter Formula 1 faces backlash

Michael Andretti (Image via Yahoo Sports)

Auto racing team Andretti Autosport competes in the IndyCar Series, IMSA, Indy NXT, and Formula E. If there is one thing team owner Michael Andretti wants, it is to enter Formula 1. He wants to venture into the most glamorous world of motorsports. The plan was to partner with General Motors and field an Andretti-Cadillac F1 team in 2026. However, his plan received backlash, and the existing F1 teams gave him a cold shoulder. 

Michael Andretti has now set his eyes on NASCAR. According to the reports, he hopes to enter the stock car racing series soon. In January, Andretti revealed to Forbes that he wanted to enter NASCAR after achieving his F1 goal. Things have changed since then, and talks about him pursuing a NASCAR Cup Series team have already begun. Andretti is hell-bent on expanding his brand to the other series. 

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Michael Andretti spoke about getting into NASCAR. He stated, “We have to make sure we get into Nascar in a few years. We are very much looking at it and monitoring it. We are looking at a couple of situations and hopefully, in a couple of years, we will be there.” Although he stated this in January, things are moving fast now. 

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Michael Andretti might find NASCAR more welcoming than F1

Michael Andretti (Image via Toronto Star)
Michael Andretti (Image via Toronto Star)

The 60-year-old would undoubtedly find friends in NASCAR. This is mainly because of his father, the legendary Mario Andretti, who has competed in fourteen NASCAR Grand National races (Now known as the Cup Series). Hence, the family name is already a part of it. Though leading a NASCAR Cup Series team is no joke, Michael Andretti’s experience in the motorsports world would help. NASCAR would also be a cheaper option for him than F1. 

Michael Andretti explained why many F1 teams did not want to see him enter the sport. He claimed that it is all about money. Andretti stated, “First, they think they are going to get diluted one-tenth of their prize money, but they also get very greedy thinking we will take all the American sponsors as well.” He believes it is all about greed and said the F1 teams are looking out for themselves and not looking at what is best for the series. 

From the looks of it, it could take a while before another team enters F1. Though Michael Andretti’s dream was to launch an F1 team first, he has now set his eyes on NASCAR. No official announcements have been made yet, but according to the sources, talks are in progress. 

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