Michael Andretti’s struggle to enter Formula 1 as the sport’s eleventh team has caught the attention of Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 supremo, who believes Andretti missed a crucial opportunity. “Andretti should have bought a team years ago,” Ecclestone told Blick, emphasizing that early acquisition could have spared Andretti the current challenges. Despite heading a successful motor racing empire in the U.S., Andretti faces resistance from F1’s commercial owner Liberty Media and the existing ten teams.
Mario Andretti, Michael’s father and a former McLaren driver, expressed his frustration with F1’s stance. “My heart bleeds when I see how Formula 1 behaves towards my son,” he lamented. While the FIA supports Andretti’s aspirations, the commercial and team opposition forms a significant barrier.
Michael Andretti himself noted the reluctance of existing teams to sell, leaving him without an entry point. Ecclestone’s comments highlight the defensive stance of the teams: “It’s clear that the teams are fighting back.”
Roger Benoit, a renowned F1 journalist, suggests that Haas’ current turmoil could offer a slim hope for Andretti. However, he also notes the unattractiveness of the struggling American team. “Gene Haas will be hard-pressed to sell the shop after the team boss (Gunther) Steiner was kicked out,” Benoit commented, adding that Haas had already rejected three offers and seems committed to his own path, albeit at the bottom of the championship.
