1978 Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti has given an insight into how Andretti Global’s driver line-up could look if its bid to join the grid is successful.
Mario’s son Michael has been working with F1 throughout the year, seeking permission to form an 11th squad on the grid.
Andretti was in advanced talks with Sauber last year to take over the Hinwil-based outfit before control issues stopped the deal from being completed.
Since then, Andretti has focused on setting up his own team but has been met with resistance from already-established parties in F1.
Some teams are cautious over what a new organisation would do to the end-of-year prize fund.
However, it would create two more drives on the grid and expand F1 beyond 20 seats for the first time since 2016.
Speaking to SoyMotor.com, Mario Andretti admits that the prospect of signing Fernando Alonso’s experience is appealing to the potential team.
“It’s very possible, of course,” Andretti said. “His experience is immeasurable and it would be a tremendous thing for us, so we’re going to look at it.
“I think he wants to keep racing and he’s still in his prime.”
Alonso has linked up with Andretti before, racing for it in a joint partnership between the IndyCar team, McLaren and Honda at the 2017 Indianapolis 500.
The Spaniard will race for Aston Martin next year, signing a multi-year contract with it following two years with Alpine.
Andretti also stated that one of the seats would most likely be filled by Colton Herta, who currently races for its IndyCar outfit.
“One of the drivers who 99 per cent would be in the team is Colton Herta, but he would need someone with more experience alongside him,” he said.
“This would make the team much more complete and that is what is being discussed right now as part of the plan.
“The main goal would be to have a very experienced driver alongside a new talent, and to have at least one American driver in the team.”
Herta was almost signed to the 2023 grid with AlphaTauri, however the FIA wouldn’t grant a Super Licence exemption to the seven-time IndyCar race winner.
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