Michael Andretti has been working on his big dream for some time now: he would like to have his own team in Formula 1. After the attempted takeover by the Sauber Group failed, he is now planning to set up a completely new team.
So far, Formula 1 has rejected Michael Andretti’s plans, but now the US businessman is giving new hope. He hints that the “go” for his own team might possibly come before Christmas.
Formula 1: Andretti still hopes to get started
Michael Andretti comes from a motorsport family. Father Mario became Formula 1 World Champion in 1978, he drove one season in Formula 1 himself and son Marco is still active in the IndyCar series. There he drives for his father’s team. In addition to IndyCar, Andretti Autosport is also active in Formula E, the Supercars Championship and Extreme E.
Michael Andretti’s next goal is to get into Formula 1. In 2021, the purchase of the Sauber team (Alfa Romeo) failed, and in 2022 Andretti submitted documents to the FIA in order to be allowed to start with his own racing team in 2024.
So far, the idea of an eleventh team being included in Formula 1 has not been very well received. Many team bosses resist, blocking Andretti’s entry. “We don’t want to dilute the value by simply adding teams,” said Toto Wolff, for example.
In the meantime it had become quiet, but now Andretti’s statements make people sit up and take notice. “We hope to find a solution in the next few weeks. That would certainly be a nice Christmas present,” said Michael Andretti of the American daily “IndyStar“.
Andretti: “We’re really close”
Andretti further revealed: “We are working every day to get clearance for an expansion team. I’m still confident. We’re getting closer. We haven’t got the ‘OK’ yet, but we’re really close.” He didn’t want to give any more detailed insights into the negotiations.
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However, he clearly denied rumors that Andretti might buy Alpha Tauri. Red Bull is not interested in selling its sister team.
