F1 Says “No, But…” To Andretti

F1 Says “No, but…” To Andretti

Graham Read, Formula 1 Correspondent

The American Andretti family has long been as synonymous with high-level motor racing as strawberries have been with Wimbledon, but their ambitions to extend their activities into Formula 1, the peak of world motorsport, have been dealt a short-term blow, albeit with a door opened for potential inclusion from 2028 onwards.

It all began with the now-83-year-old Italian-born and highly gifted American driver Mario Andretti and progressed via his children and grandchildren to the current situation, where the name Andretti is still very much revered. The Andretti operation was keen to join F1 with effect from next season, utilising a Renault power unit, but Formula One Management has decided that any new Andretti team with effect from 2025 would not add sufficient value to justify its inclusion. However, it has been very much stressed that a potential Andretti new F1 entry with effect from the 2O28 season, fully supported by the American General Motors automotive giant, may well receive appropriate support.

So, we must wait to see what developments occur, as at some stage Andretti must surely deserve an entry into Formula 1 by 2028 at the latest, making the F1 grid a 22-car, 11-team affair, which can only be for the good of the sport.