1978 Formula 1 Drivers’ Champion Mario Andretti has made a rallying cry to Formula One Management (FOM) that the prospective eponymous F1 outfit spearheaded by son Michael will “do whatever you ask of us” as they try to get onto the 2026 grid.
The Andretti bid was rebuffed by FOM in January as it was cited that “research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around.”
Still, FOM said the door was open for another stab at entry for the 2028 season when Andretti would have an original power unit ready from General Motors.
Despite this major blow, Andretti’s “work continues at pace” and the outfit has even set up shop in Silverstone as it strives toward a place on the 2026 grid.
“We’re trying to say ‘We’ll do whatever you ask of us. We’ll do whatever is there,” Mario Andretti told Associated Press at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Andretti has gone on a UK-based recruitment drive with 60 positions available, made plans to develop a presence in Formula 3 and Formula 2 amid crash-testing F1 nose components and plans to develop a full prototype chassis by the end of the year.
While Mario is instant Andretti is open to bend to FOM’s will, he was still “offended,” when the team’s bid was suggested not to be of sufficient “value” to F1.
“I don’t think we deserved that, to be honest with you.
“It’s a big investment in the series, and you’d think they’d welcome that. Even the value of the series is more valuable with 11 teams than 10, so I don’t know. Tell us what is really wrong.”
Andretti also took issue with statements suggesting General Motors entering with another team, Mario also took offence.
“GM said it over and over, ‘Andretti or nothing,’ and then (F1) still tried to take it,” he said.
“There’s an undercurrent there that I don’t understand, quite honestly, but if they want blood, well, I’m ready.”
Given Andretti’s determination to get into F1 and the differing opinions between the team and FOM, both sides must come to an agreement sooner rather than later.
In its initial rejection, FOM noted that an invitation to meet with Andretti was ignored and it was later learnt that the invite wound up in the Andretti email spam folder.
Following Andretti’s unveiling of its Silverstone site, Andretti and FOM had an all-important meeting with further discussions slated to be held in Miami.
Mario Andretti admitted the lack of communication between the interested parties is “a problem” and is looking forward to furthering discussions when F1 visits Florida next week.
“We haven’t had enough [meetings],” he said.
“I think that’s why I really welcome our next meeting.
“There were some opportunities missed along the way, but we’ve got to look forward, not back.
“I’m remaining hopeful because we never stop working towards this. It was made clear that our work is at pace, and as you can see we’re not just talking.
“We’re putting brick and mortar together. We’ve shown that with the team that already has a place in Silverstone.”
Andretti is adamant that if the FOM has a requirement for the prospective entry, it simply needs to tell the outfit and it will oblige.
“But they haven’t told us yet except for some excuses like, ‘Oh we don’t want you coming on, we don’t want you to be embarrassed,'” he said.
“But we don’t want to embarrass ourselves, and the fact is General Motors has made it so clear that they’re excited about this project. They have a long-term commitment there, and I don’t know what else we can do.
“I still don’t know what the reasons are because let’s be reasonable. We’re all racers. We all are professionals. We’re trying to advance the cause for all of us.
“I’ve never been disrespected as a person face-to-face, but it’s been at a distance, and I don’t think we deserve that.”
