Michael Andretti is currently trying to set up a Formula 1 team to be the 11th team to compete from 2024, although the FIA has not yet opened the official process for adding new teams to Formula 1.
During the Miami race weekend, Andretti was there to rally support for his bid and met with the FIA, Formula 1 and other team bosses.
Team reaction remained muted, however, as some feared that an 11th team on the starting lineup would dilute the prize fund and potentially upset the current stability of the ten-team field.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said he believes an American driver would be more effective for the growth of Formula 1 in the United States than an American team in the form of Andretti, which already competes in racing series such as IndyCar, Indy Lights, Formula E, Extreme E and Supercars is represented.
Andretti disagrees with this assessment, stating that only his new team would offer American drivers the opportunity to get into Formula 1. “We want to be an American team that wants to develop American drivers for the future,” the ex-racer confirms his ambitions.
“There is nobody out there who does that,” he says. “That’s what we want. There’s no really legitimate way for an American driver to get into Formula 1. It just doesn’t exist. We want to smooth the way into Formula 1.”
Andretti has a Formula 1 candidate up his sleeve
Had Andretti’s bid to take over the team from Sauber been successful, his IndyCar driver Colton Herta should have received one of the cockpits. Herta completed a few simulator rides in Hinwil and was scheduled for an FT1 assignment towards the end of last year before the deal fell through.
But Andretti remains committed to using Herta as one of the drivers, citing him as the “perfect example” of an American who should already be in F1.
“He has the talent, but they ran out of money, so they came back to the States. So he chose the American route,” explains Andretti. “I want us to take kids out of karting and show them the way, and hopefully if they’re good enough they’ll get into Formula 1.”
With Andretti: “We will have the team to make it happen and make sure they get a legitimate chance.” It’s not about quick shots, but the long-term development of drivers and “a serious offer”.