Andretti: 'If Formula 1 wants blood, well I'm ready!'
24/04/2024 10:49
Mario Andretti continues to express his displeasure with Formula 1's decision to deny Andretti Global an entry into the world championship.
The motorsport legend felt "offended" by comments suggesting the American team wouldn't be competitive, but Andretti also took exception with F1's portrayal of its partnership with General Motors.
Last year, the FIA formerly approved Andretti Global's entry into the F1 World Championship. But in January, that free pass was taken away from the team when Formula One Management (FOM) rejected its bid to secure a spot on the grid in 2026.
But team owner Michael Andretti remains undeterred. The recent opening of a state-of-the-art facility in Silverstone, dedicated to building a chassis that meets current F1 regulations, exemplifies their commitment.
"I was offended, actually," Mario Andretti told AP in Long Beach last weekend. "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."
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The motorsport legend and 1979 F1 world champion was further irked by FOM calling into question GM's ability to supply Andretti with a suitable power unit only to request the manufacturer to seek a partnership with another team than Andretti.
"That's another offensive statement there," commented Mario. "We're the ones that worked it out, and GM said it over and over, 'Andretti or nothing,' and then (F1) still tried to take it.
"There's an undercurrent there that I don't understand, quite honestly. But if they want blood, well, I'm ready."
Despite the Andretti clan's perceivable resentment towards FOM, the two parties will meet in Miami next week where the American will have an opportunity to vent its frustrations and hopefully receive more complete answers to its many questions.
"We only had one meeting with them. That's a problem, we haven't had enough," said Andretti.
"I think that's why I really welcome our next meeting. You know, let's sit down. 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.
"We're trying to say 'We'll do whatever you ask of us. We'll do whatever is there. Now, if you think of something, you tell us,'. 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.'
"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."
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