Almost a month ago, it became official that the FIA had approved Andretti Global’s application, according to which they could join the Formula 1 field.
Of course, this is only one side of the coin, as the actual entry must also have the blessing of F1 itself.
However, the World Championship still refuses to come to terms with the Americans and will do everything in its power to keep them off the starting grid.
The Associated Press did not back down and asked the leaders of the four teams the basic question:
Do they resent Andretti for something?
Zak Brown, who has a long working relationship with Michael Andretti, and Mike Crack, who worked with him in Formula E that year, see nothing wrong with them joining as the 11th team.
But in the case of Toto Wolff, the girl’s situation is different.
“I don’t know Andretti” said the Mercedes leader.
“I know they’re a big name in the sport and they’re doing well as a team in the United States. There’s no hate at all. If you’ve never met someone before, there can’t be personal animosity.”
The Austrian specialist’s statement is somewhat contradicted by the fact that during last year’s Miami Grand Prix weekend, Michael was walking around the circuit collecting signatures for their entry, while Mario Andretti spent more than an hour at Mercedes, discussing with Wolff.
Guenther Steiner, president of the only current American team in the series, Haas, also stated:
“There’s nothing personal behind it.”
However, FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem has frankly stated that this is largely the case.
“It’s all about the money” The businessman stated.
“This is where it gets personal. They don’t want to get involved.”
One of the most attractive parts of Andretti’s bid was the partnership with General Motors, which would allow a major American manufacturer to emerge in the field.
“It would be foolish to refuse GM now, when Formula 1 is already organizing three races in the USA.” Bin Sulayem added.
Well, Formula 1 will have its own solution for that too.
Three different sources close to the fire confirmed to the AP that the series had already contacted GM to ask if they would be willing to partner with another team in Andretti’s place.
This very dirty move could be just further evidence that the Andrettis family opposition is “having it badly”.
What makes the story even more fascinating is that Formula 1 is conspiring against them by specifically hiding them.
A few days ago, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) held its annual grand gala, which honors people of Italian descent who have achieved outstanding results in their respective fields.
Among the winners was the first man in Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali. After the event, Michael Andretti congratulated him with a message, but there was no response.
Furthermore, since the FIA’s approval, even Liberty Media, as well as Formula 1, are unwilling to speak to the family. They are completely ignored.
Andretti Global’s goal is still to start the 2025 season with them.
However, the longer F1’s decision drags on, the more difficult it becomes for them.
However, they are preparing as if all the lights for their engagement are green.
Among other things, they have already spent millions of dollars to build their own car based on the 2023 rules system, which is used in wind tunnel tests.
Andretti is therefore very serious about the project, and the FIA did not find anything during the evaluation process that could be a reason for disqualification.
As a result, we cannot rule out the possibility that Andretti will take the case to court in the event of an official rejection.
If this scenario comes true, according to the AP, it could serve as a serious argument for them that Formula 1 is no longer the premier category offering the greatest innovations in motorsport, but rather an elite club where only those deemed sympathetic by the inner circle can be. like that. I confess.
“Driving a race car is like waltzing with a chainsaw.” – Cale Yarborough
