Not just Formula 1. Andretti continues its expansion plans by entering new categories, in particular after the inauguration of the new headquarters in Silverstone which will represent a logistics hub in Europe, but also of the new maxi-structure in the United States, which will guarantee equipment cutting-edge and other opportunities.
The project at Silverstone Park inaugurated on Wednesday is clearly part of a plan that provides for the possibility of completing its entry into Formula 1 in the coming years, even if Liberty Media rejected the American team's request until at least 2028, the season in which it should debut the Power Unit built by GM under the Cadillac brand.
The Formula team will also be moved to the new headquarters from the current structure near Banbury, in order to guarantee a single hub for multiple categories. However, alongside the Formula 1 project there is another plan which also includes entry into the preparatory series that travel together with the world championship around the world, namely Formula 2 and Formula 3.
Andretti headquarters in Silverstone
Photo by: Andretti
If the team gets the green light for F1, the F3 and F2 programs will come to life in the same location, as confirmed by Andretti at the inauguration of the new facility. “These facilities will be primarily for F1. But we also want to bring our Formula E team and start integrating it here,” said Michael Andretti.
“Our goal is to have a Formula 2 and Formula 3 team to support the F1 team, and then maybe also a WEC team. We want this to be our center for European racing. So there are a lot of interesting plans in this area”, added the head of the American team, who did not even hide his ambition to expand into the WEC.
Entry into F2 and F3 would not only support the F1 team, but also promote young American talent in young careers, who often have to decide between staying in the United States or moving to Europe. Clearly, if there are no prominent talents to grow, we will also focus on more promising drivers with the aim of winning.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Prema Racing, Richard Verschoor, Trident
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“It's not just about American drivers, but we will especially try to focus on American drivers. We will still look for the best talent in the world,” Andretti told Motorsport.com.
“But this chance will give an American driver a fair opportunity, because normally when an American comes to Europe he is not treated equally. Here, in our team, you will be treated fairly. And what's more, for us, this gives us it will give the opportunity to understand if the talent is real or not. Because many times you don't know, some father could pay 200 days of tests and things like that to make his child appear talented!”.
Dan Towriss, partner of Andretti Global, admitted that the commitment to the F2 and F3 programs is awaiting confirmation of participation in F1, therefore it is subject to the future decision of Liberty Media: “It will be linked to the finalization of the part relating to the F1. But the development of drivers has always been a distinctive trait of Michael, the attention to talent.”
Michael Andretti, Mario Andretti, Dan Towriss, Andretti Global
Photo by: Andretti
“It's something very important for him. So, whatever series we are involved in, there will be a support and development program that will create the drivers of the future. We are very excited about the guys we are working with already now. And when we have an F3 team, young Sebastian Wheldon will be ready.” Sebastian Wheldon, son of the late Dan Wheldon, is currently competing in the US youth series and racing under the wing of Andretti.
Towriss stressed that it makes sense to bring American drivers to Europe at the beginning of their careers, in order to get familiar with the environment immediately: “I think sometimes people think we only want to bring IndyCar drivers. I think there are some drivers IndyCar talent who can absolutely step up to the plate right now.”
“But we also want to have work in F3 and F2, so we can develop drivers and grow them from a young age, making sure that American drivers arrive at the right time and that they have every opportunity to get a place in F1.”
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