Michael Andretti has expressed unwavering confidence in General Motors' support for Andretti Autosport's potential Formula One entry. He believes their partnership could challenge leading F1 teams like Ferrari and Mercedes.
Andretti Autosport, alongside automotive powerhouse General Motors, is pushing forward with their intense preparation and ambitious goals for the 2025/6 seasons. While the FIA has greenlit their proposal, Formula One Management (FOM) harbors reservations about the feasibility and effects of introducing an 11th team to the grid. Although FOM refused their entry for 2025 or 2026, the door has been left open for the American team to re-apply in for 2028 when it will have GM as an engine partner.
The team has established a new headquarters at the iconic Silverstone circuit, home to the British Grand Prix, indicative of their commitment and readiness for a potential Formula One entry. Despite the looming uncertainty of their entry's confirmation, Andretti is actively assembling a competitive team.
Michael Andretti, at the forefront of these efforts, spoke candidly about the formidable backing of General Motors during an interview with Speed City Broadcasting:
"Very [confident GM will continue to back them]. Very committed, very excited.
"People will not understand until we show them the effort that's been put in on both sides.
"This is going to be rival with the Ferraris and the Mercedes, you know, the effort that's being put in with such a great company like GM."
Andretti Autosport seeks more communication from FOM about the necessary requirements and procedures for securing their place on the grid. Andretti continued:
"We're trying to get more communication and see what we need to do to get in.
"We're going to need some answers soon. But we have some things we're working on and hopefully, we'll get some answers soon."
The American team's continued push toward F1 involves significant risks, particularly given the high investment costs. Andretti acknowledged the hazards but backed their decision to keep going. He added:
"Yeah, it's a risk for sure.
"But I think it shows how much we believe in this, that we believe it's great for Formula 1 and we think it's great for American fans and to bring a company like General Motors into Formula 1, I think is huge.
"We just believe in it that much that we're willing to roll the dice."
It was recently revealed that members of the US Congress had sent a letter for FOM seeking answers over Andretti's rejection. When asked about this, Andretti responded:
"I stay out of that. I'm just here to build a team and that's what I'm doing.
"But for sure, it's great to have people like them looking at what's going on and getting behind this."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
