F1 | Michael Andretti's F1 dream is still alive as he targets a 2024 entry
Motorsport legend Mario Andretti has tweeted that his son Michael has submitted preliminary paperwork to have a team in F1 in 2024.
Michael Andretti’s dream to enter Formula One seems to still be very much alive. This assumption came following a tantalising tweet from his father, the legendary motorsport racer, Mario Andretti. The news indicated that his son has submitted preliminary paperwork with the FIA to have a team on an F1 grid in 2024.
At present, Formula One is made up of 10 teams which results in a starting grid of just 20 cars. Not so long ago the field was 24 cars – not to mention many more in the decades prior to this. Under F1’s most recent Concorde Agreement which was signed midway through 2020 by the 10 current teams, a new team would have to pay a $200 million fee to join the F1 circus. The pinnacle of motorsport is an extremely expensive sport to be in and as such frightens off lots of manufacturers unwilling to commit so much capital.
As such, any new team hoping to enter F1 would need to have an intense passion for the sport and not just see it merely as a business opportunity. Therefore, when a racer indicates an interest, it is reason for excitement. More so when that racer is the son of motorsport legend and 1978 F1 Drivers’ World Champion Mario Andretti.
The Andretti name is a legendary family name in motorsport, so it seems fitting that Michael Andretti’s father, Mario Andretti, broke the news to the world through his recent tweet:
Michael has applied to the FIA to field a new F1 team starting in 2024. His entry, Andretti Global, has the resources and checks every box. He is awaiting the FIA's determination.
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) February 18, 2022
However, this would not be Michael Andretti’s first attempt at a foray into Formula One.
In October 2021, the anticipated takeover of Sauber by Andretti Autosport was surprisingly called off when at times it had seemed a done deal to so many. Having been so strongly linked with Sauber and whilst speaking at the RACER/EPARTRADE Online Race Industry Week at the end of last year, as quoted by MotorsportWeek.com, Michael Andretti said:
“It was really, really disappointing that [Sauber/Alfa Romeo] deal didn’t come together. We were literally 48 hours from getting the deal done.”
Nevertheless, Andretti also mentioned at this juncture that he would keep an eye on the F1 market for a possible opening. Now, just three months after those remarks, the Andretti name seems destined to return to Formula One.
Prior to Friday’s tweet, his father Mario Andretti had told IndyStar that:
“Michael has been working on this for quite a long time, but he’s taken a different direction since there’s no teams available to buy…They’re far enough along that, if they get the approval to be added to the 10 teams that exist in F1, they’re ready to go the next day and put everything in place. This didn’t just happen.”
When asked whether Andretti Global would be forced to pay the $200 million F1 entry fee if granted approval from the FIA, Andretti told IndyStar “They’re all set…This is for real. Michael, once he sets his sights on something, he’s relentless.”
Formula 1 recently released its audience and spectator figures for the 2021 season. With 108.7million tuning in for the climax of a gripping title fight in Abu Dhabi – F1 has never been a better attraction for a team. All signs point to 2024 being the entry point for Michael Andretti but having been 48 hours from a deal before, there will be many fans not holding their breath.
Nevertheless, the passion of Michael Andretti in F1 would be very welcome seeing how the successful racer has previously told the media:
“I love Formula 1, it’s the ultimate racing experience, and for our brand it would be just huge. It just takes us to the highest level you can be in.”
Here’s hoping that the Andretti name is back in Formula One sooner rather than later.
