While there is no formal deadline for new teams wanting to enter Formula 1, Michael Andretti has been clear that he cannot wait too long for the FIA’s decision.
Speaking of the situation exclusively with Motorsport.com, Andretti said: “We need an answer quickly, because the clock is running for us if we want to be there in 2024. We need to know within a month.”
Andretti revealed that some key details for his Formula 1 project are already clear enough, including the idea of bringing IndyCar driver Colton Herta to the Circus.
In fact, his belief that Herta is one of the keys to making the team’s presence a success, given that there are already two races in America – Austin and Miami – and that a third one could soon be included in Las Vegas.
Andretti suggested that the effect that Max Verstappen’s rise in the Dutch market had had could be replicated in the United States if an American driver were to prove competitive.
“Look at the growing audience in the Netherlands with a winning driver,” he said. “There is no one here, but if a good driver comes along, who already has a following like Colton, I think that would increase interest.”
“For me it’s child’s play. I don’t know what the obstacle is, but we hope they understand it. Our intention is to do a high level job across the board. We have big projects, which we believe are really good for the company. Formula 1”.
“My backers are fantastic, and they want to be competitive, they don’t want to invest just to say they’re in Formula 1. They’re men of sports, they’ve made franchises that weren’t, so they know how to do these things. It would be a shame. if we don’t succeed. It would be good for everyone. “
Romain Grosjean and Michael Andretti during 2022 driver announcement
Photo by: Joe Skibinski
Although Michael’s father, 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti, suggested that Renault was the best option for supplying the power units, a final decision has not yet been made. It is understood, in fact, that even Ferrari remains an option if the OK from the FIA should arrive to enter 2024.
Michael Andretti has indeed confirmed that Renault is one of the options, but he also added: “we also have another one and no decision has been made”.
As for the factory, Andretti said he would prefer to have the operational base in the United States in the long term, but he is aware of the need to also have a European headquarters.
“Eventually we’d like to build it here,” he said. “The first car should be entrusted to third parties, a bit like Haas does now. But then we would like to build our car.”
“My dream is to do it here, to have a real American car. We would still have a big presence in the UK, but we would actually build it here.”
On the possibility of becoming the boss of an F1 team, Andretti said: “I am very excited about the idea. I have wanted to do it for a long time. I think it is fantastic for our brand and would put us to another level. I am in the racing business. ran and I always want to do better. “
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