For the past few years, Andretti Global has been pushing to get onto the F1 grid. Recently the team has undergone a number of changes including Michael Andretti stepping down as CEO and moving into a consultant position. But no matter how many changes happen, the goal of the team is to get into F1. Now, Mario Andretti has given us something to look forward to.
Andretti was told towards the beginning of the year that their proposals to join the grid were rejected. However, the American-based team have refused to stop trying to enter the sport. And Mario Andretti had some encouraging words to boost hope.
Mario Andretti teases major announcements
Andretti’s dream of becoming an F1 team is still alive, with the hope of joining the grid in 2026. The team have poached many staff from various other F1 teams in a bid to help the the team compete. Former world champion Mario Andretti has given all his employees hope.
BREAKING: Andretti’s bid to become Formula 1’s 11th team in 2025 or 2026 has been rejected by Formula One Management 🏎️ pic.twitter.com/LwLM7ZC4lz
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2024
Mario, told Gazzetta dello Sport: “It’s a matter for my son Michael and his company, not me. What I can say is that news and changes are coming, and my full support goes to my son for all the decisions and choices he has made during this period.”
This points to positive news coming out of the team. Speculation will arise from these comments leaving many people in F1 and the fans, in the dark. The tease though must mean there is some movement in the hope Andretti Global will join the grid.
CEO of Liberty Media leaving gives Andretti hope
Andretti’s bid to become an F1 team was rejected for many reasons. They included that F1 didn’t think the team would be competitive after what happened with the new teams in 2010. Another reason was that an eleventh-team would increase operational burdens on race promoters and the technical, operational, and commercial spaces of the other competitors would be reduced.
However, the American-based team have been given hope. Greg Maffei, the CEO of Liberty Media, had told Andretti in Miami he would do everything in his power to prevent an entry. It has now been announced that Maffei will stand down from his role at the end of the season, possibly leaving the door open.
Greg Maffei is to step down as Liberty Media CEO, the parent company of Formula 1 🚨pic.twitter.com/77wNPQseNk
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 13, 2024
This news, along with Mario Andretti’s comments, has started the rumour mill. The speculation is that the team are targeting to join the grid as early as possible, possibly in 2026. But would a new team be good for the sport? Let us know in the comments below.
