Mario Andretti and his son Michael Andretti have been trying to export their team to Formula 1 for a long time. However, at every opportunity, they have been shown a closed door. But even after that, Andretti senior isn’t discouraged, as according to Ziggo Sport, he has vowed to get the biggest F1 star right now, Max Verstappen, to the United States as an IndyCar driver.
Though, it seems like a mission impossible accepted by Andretti. The F1 world champion has repeatedly disclosed that while he respects IndyCar drivers, he doesn’t see himself driving in that race series.
Instead, Verstappen has shown a keen interest in endurance racing. But IndyCar is the last thing he wants to do. So, has Andretti promised something which he can’t deliver? Well, he thinks he can bring the biggest racing star to America.
Andretti IndyCar
Since Alonso’s entry for the 2017 Indy 500, I’ve had a soft spot for Andretti ever since and solidified in 2019 with Colton Herta joining and Prime Alexander Rossi.
And now Andretti have another future star in Kyle Kirkwood joining. pic.twitter.com/ZSz5iKkDJ2
— Jude🍊 (@JudeF1_) May 29, 2023
Mario Andretti Vows to Make Max Verstappen drive in IndyCar
The former F1 champion went a bit ambitious about bringing more hotshots from F1 into IndyCar. For him, the target is the two-time world champion. Even though he knows Verstappen isn’t inclined, he has claimed that he will convince the Dutchman.
“One of these days, I will speak with Max Verstappen after he wins 8 world championships to come here and win the 500,” said Andretti. In response, the reporter from Ziggo Sport informed him that Verstappen had already shown his reluctance to join the American series. Andretti replies: “I will persuade him.”
Mario Andretti:
“One of these days, I’m going to speak with Max Verstappen after he wins 8 world championships to come here and win the 500.”Ziggo:
“I think he doesn’t want to do Indy. He might want to do Le Mans or Daytona, but not Indy. How can you persuade him?”Mario:… pic.twitter.com/GPKnIphN81
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) May 29, 2023
Andretti’s optimistic approach towards a driver who has the world at his feet because of F1. But one can never tell what the future holds. But as of now, Verstappen’s exploits will remain limited till F1.
Will Andrettis ever get in F1?
Michael Andretti promised to fulfill every demand asked by F1’s commercial owners. When the entry fee of $200,000,000 was asked to compensate teams for increased dividends in profit sharing, Andretti agreed to that.
When F1 asked him to bring an OM partner, Andretti sought support from General Motors and got Cadillac into the pitch. Yet, he was disallowed to get his team.
It also led to a civil war as the FIA’s President Ben Sulayem openly supported Andretti’s bid. That act infuriated several team bosses and F1 as the governing body stepped out of its domain.
