Michael Andretti says the existing F1 team’s “snobbish” attitude towards Andretti’s F1 project is that F1 is still a “European club” and sees other teams as a “threat”. Says it is showing.
Michael Andretti also feels that if he thinks the Netflix Drive to Survive series is enough to permanently gain an American fan base, it’s F1’s complacency.
Michael Andretti, who is aiming to participate in F1 as a new F1 team “Andretti Global” in 2024, appeared in a joint interview with GQ magazine’s father Mario.
“I want to remind them that there are 350 million people in this country. It’s true that Drive to Survive, has soared interest here, but they shouldn’t be content with the status quo.” Michael Andretti said.
“We’re just skimming the surface. They’ve attracted the interest of new fans, but the fans are a bit capricious. They’re convinced they have an audience in America now, but in the future they You need a hook to keep it, and we feel we can be that hook. “
“We’re a true American team. We have true American drivers. There’s something to really take root in the country. That’s what keeps our fans just getting. That’s where I think the value really gets stronger. “
After the collapse of attempts to enter F1 by acquiring the Alfa Romeo F1 team last year, plans emerged to recruit to the F1 grid in 2024 with a brand new team called Andretti Global.
Andretti has filed a document with the FIA (International Automobile Federation) about the proposal, but it doesn’t look like he’s approaching being invited to the series.
The current F1 team is reluctant given the franchise model in which the championship is currently running. So I think the 11th team will eat up the share of the existing 10 prize funds, and F1’s preference for additional teams is Audi’s factory team, not Andretti.
F1 already has an American team called the Haas F1 Team. Operated from a UK base, its official headquarters is in Kannapolis, where owner Gene Haas’s Stewart-Haas Racing is based.
Andretti is also understood to be planning a European operations base for the F1 team.
Michael joined the McLaren F1 team from the 1991 championship CART IndyCar, but only one podium finish was dropped before the incident-filled season reached its final round.
“It was definitely a European club,” said Michael Andretti about F1 in 1993.
“And the way we’re being treated is that we still feel it’s a European club because we’re a threat. It’s the first real international team.”
“That’s the very expensive approach they’re taking. In the end, we’ll bring more value than we rob.”
1978 F1 World Champion his father Mario Andretti said, “I have every connexion, and I have no selfish thoughts. Michael has it. And how many. Doesn’t help him? “
“Unfortunately, as a driver, he had a really negative experience. He definitely joined the best team at the worst time, and the situation is …”
Michael Andretti toured the F1 paddock to get the support of the F1 team at the Miami Grand Prix in May. But so far, only McLaren and Alpine have publicly supported Andretti’s F1 plan, both with some vested interests.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has partnered with Andretti on Extreme E and supercar Andretti United, and the Alpine F1 Team will supply Andretti with the F1 engine through the Renault brand.
Michael Andretti said he admitted that the number of F1 teams supporting his entry was higher, but about half of the grid was resisting.
“There is no doubt that there are four or five teams in our corner, but others are reaching out and saying,’What can we get from it?'” Said Michael Andretti. rice field.
“That’s all. And they’re all short-sighted. I say,’OK, you can get it now, but what do you think we can bring to the future?'” But they don’t care about it. “
“They don’t care about the series. They only care about themselves. But that’s the F1 way, and it’s always been.”
Toto Wolff, team representative for Mercedes F1, is one of Andretti’s loudest opponents and says he needs to do more to prove that he adds value to F1. ..
Michael Andretti believes Toto Volg is using prize dilution to cover concerns about losing political influence.
“He uses it as an excuse,” said Michael Andretti.
“But he sees it and thinks,’I’m one less vote. That’s going to be another vote against me.’ That’s the way he’s thinking.”
“I almost knew what was going on here. I’m swimming with sharks, so I know I have a harpoon. I’m not naive about it.”
“When I was a driver, I was probably naive, but probably because of that experience, I’m not naive now. Everyone has a knife and is ready to stab from behind.”
Category: Category: F1 / Andretti
