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By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
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Mario Andretti recently expressed his discontent over Formula One Management's decision to reject the Andretti Global bid to join the F1 grid in 2026. Despite fulfilling initial criteria set by the FIA, their application was turned down, leaving the racing legend feeling slighted.
The 1978 F1 World Champion has voiced his frustration over the unexpected rejection of Andretti Global's entry into the sport from 2026. The team, led by his son Michael Andretti, had successfully passed the Expressions of Interest phase with the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). However, the bid faltered when Formula One Management (FOM) did not approve their application, casting a shadow over Andretti Global's extensive preparations to join the elite racing series.
Mario Andretti, deeply involved in the efforts to expand his family's legacy into modern F1, articulated his disillusionment with the turn of events.
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"I was offended, actually. I don't think we deserved that, to be honest with you," said Andretti, reflecting on the outright rejection, as quoted by AP News.
"It's a big investment in the series, and you'd think they'd welcome that. Even the value of the series is more valuable with 11 teams than 10, so I don't know. Tell us what is really wrong," Andretti asserted.
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Adding to the controversy, Andretti discussed the involvement of General Motors through their Cadillac brand in the bid, pointing out what he perceived as a double standard in FOM's approach to corporate partnerships.
"That's another offensive statement there," Andretti noted. "We're the ones that worked it out, and GM said it over and over, 'Andretti or nothing,' and then [F1] still tried to take it."
The frustration is not only about the rejection itself but also about the perceived lack of clear communication and transparency from FOM.
"There's an undercurrent there that I don't understand, quite honestly, but if they want blood, well, I'm ready," he stated, indicating his determination to overcome the hurdles placed in his team's path.
"We only had one meeting with them. That's a problem. We haven't had enough. I think that's why I really welcome our next meeting. You know, let's sit down," said Andretti, advocating for more direct dialogue to better understand and possibly rectify the issues preventing their entry.
Amidst these challenges, Andretti Global has not slowed down its operational setup, already establishing a new base in Silverstone, poised to meet the technical and logistic demands of Formula 1.
"But they haven't told us yet except for some excuses like, 'Oh we don't want you coming on, we don't want you to be embarrassed.' But we don't want to embarrass ourselves, and the fact is General Motors has made it so clear that they're excited about this project. They have a long-term commitment there, and I don't know what else we can do."
Lastly, Andretti touched upon the respect — or lack thereof — which he perceives from FOM, particularly in how they engage with the team from a distance, juxtaposed against more respectful direct interactions.
"I've never been disrespected as a person face-to-face, but it's been at a distance, and I don't think we deserve that," he concluded.
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