Alonso: Andretti joining F1 would be ‘the best news’

Fernando Alonso says it would be “the best news” for Formula 1 if Michael Andretti secured a team on the grid going forward.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the Andretti family was interested in expanding its operations to F1, with Michael submitting an application to the FIA.

Andretti is currently competing in various motorsport categories, most notably in the NTT IndyCar Series.

However, question marks have been raised by current F1 squads over Andretti’s interest, who state that the team’s addition to the grid would need to benefit the sport and the existing outfits.

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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff claims that Andretti would need upwards of $1 billion to be competitive in the current field.

It is not clear if Andretti is looking to join by starting its own team from the ground up, or take over an existing outfit.

However Alonso, who raced for Andretti Autosport in partnership with McLaren and Honda at the 2017 Indianapolis 500, says it would be a huge positive for F1 if the team was to join the grid.

“Well, sure, it could be a big thing,” Alonso said. “I know Michael very well, I know the Andretti family. 

“They are obviously a big part of motorsport in general and they are legends. So if we can have them in Formula 1 that will be the best news, I think for both. 

“Formula 1 would benefit from that and obviously Michael and his team will benefit from the sport and from being in Formula 1. 

“I think they have the capabilities, the resources, they have the talent to be in Formula 1 and be competitive as well. 

“So I hope this thing comes true in the next few years, and I will follow very closely.”

The F1 grid already has one American team present in the paddock in the form of Haas F1, who was the last outfit to join the field from scratch in 2016.