Formula One is among the most celebrated motorsports. The sport offers an extravagant amount of money despite the risks involved. Therefore, every motorsport company aims to be a part of the ever-growing sport. Recently, Mario Andretti, former F1 champion, has put in his bid to introduce a new team to the grid.
Currently, there are ten teams, and the competition is consistently among the top three. Meanwhile, other teams usually lag in terms of speed and performance. However, Michael Andretti, son of Mario Andretti, is on a mission to bring his family back on the racing circuit.
Mario Andretti Asserts F1 CEO Will Not Approve Eleventh Team
A recent remark from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has spurred tension. Mario Andretti claimed that the F1 head is unwilling to help Michael introduce a new team. Thus, the battle of adding the eleventh team is now getting intense. According to an NBC report, Michael Andretti, who is pushing hard to bring his dreams to reality, had a verbal exchange with Greg Maffei, the CEO of F1’s parent company, Liberty Media. Jr Andretti’s contentious with Maffei took place during the Miami GP weekend. Lately, lawmakers invited him outside the Capitol to describe teh F1 ejection for the 2025 season. However, Andretti was hopeful to win over Formula One Management in order to get a place in the 2026 grid.
During the invitation-only breakfast, Maffei interrupted Andretti while conversing with Domenicalli. Sr. Andretti depicted the scenario as he was told to go to the breakfast. However, the situation turned bitter when Maffei said he would do everything he could to prevent Michael from joining the F1 grid. The statement from Maffei was like a bullet to the hopes of Andretti, as he still can’t believe it. Consequently, the pressure on F1 management is increasing to include the Andretti Global team as bipartisan senators are asking for an investigation under antitrust norms.
Andretti Signs Former William Technical Expert Despite Rejection From Formula One Head
Although Andretti was rejected for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the team hopes to be admitted to F1 in 2028. Therefore, Andretti Global firm has signed in former Renault technical head Pat Symonds to push closer to their F1 entry.
Michael Andretti, CEO and Chairman of the firm, welcomed the technical head and hailed his expertise. Symond is known for his aerodynamic capabilities, which could be a determining factor in a vehicle’s design. Therefore, despite a verbal exchange with Greg Maffei, the Andretti squad is optimistic about its F1 debut.
