Former Formula 1 driver Michael Andretti says his organization’s bid to join the F1 grid in 2024 has made “pretty good progress” over the last two months.
Michael’s father Mario Andretti revealed in February that ‘Andretti Global’ had applied to the FIA for a Formula 1 entry from the 2024 season, claiming that the prospective squad “has the resources and checks every box”.
However, reaction to the proposed Andretti entry from elsewhere in the paddock has been mixed, as an 11th team would eat into the prize money currently shared between the 10 existing outfits.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also cast doubt on the proposed Andretti-backed entry into F1, saying in August that the sport doesn’t need any new teams.
Despite the negativity surrounding the Andretti entry, Michael claimed that preparations were still ongoing to join the F1 grid.
“Yeah, we’re still moving forward,” Michael was quoted as saying by The Race.
“We’re still working hard. I think we made pretty good progress in the last couple of months and we’re not giving up.”
The background to Andretti’s bid
Mario revealed plans of the Andretti entry exclusively to RacingNews365.com back in February, saying that the operation would be based in England, with additional plans to set up Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams under the Andretti banner going forward.
Mario subsequently added that the organization had a formal agreement with Renault to use the French firm’s power units.
Andretti’s proposed F1 entry comes after Andretti Autosport – the multi-category operation led by Michael – missed out on a planned takeover of the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo F1 operation last year, with the move falling through at the last minute.
Both Mario and Michael have raced in F1, with Mario winning 12 Grands Prix and the 1978 World Championship title, while Michael had an unsuccessful spell alongside Ayrton Senna at McLaren in 1993.
