Andretti Fires Back at Mercedes’ ‘Disrespectful’ F1 Dilution Claim

The popularity of F1 as a sport is immeasurable, and multiple entities want to become a part of it. Recently, a host of automobile manufacturers have voiced their desire to become a part of the sport.

However, it takes a lot of time, effort, and money to become a part of Formula 1. And that the best example of that is Andretti Autosport, as their repeated attempts have only failed so far.

F1 legend hits back at Toto Wolff

The Andretti name was synonymous with Formula 1 back when Mario Andretti was a part of the sport. The Italian-American is one of the most successful racing drivers in history. His son, Michael, followed in his father’s footsteps, but what he could not achieve as a driver himself, he does with his auto racing team, Andretti Autosport. However, their latest agenda to enter F1 with this own team, with the name Andretti Global, as the 11th constructor is facing a lot of barriers.

Currently, all the team bosses are not thrilled about the prospect of an 11th team on the grid. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is among the group as he has pointed out that Andretti’s entry in the sport can mean “a 10 percent dilution for everybody else”.

But Mario Andretti does not appreciate Wolff’s stance. He said, “I find the public criticism very disrespectful because we have been active in motorsport for much longer than he has. I respect his success so far but he has no reason to look down on us,”

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The constant criticism and roadblocks to their bid to enter F1 is a frustrating aspect for the Americans. But they have been trying this for a while now and the latest efforts show no signs of them slowing down.

Andretti Autosport prepares in the dark before more comes to light

The American racing team is not letting these roadblocks divert them from their goal. With no clear indications of their deal passing all the red tape, the Andretti group is preparing in the background.

And hitting back at the critiques, Mario Andretti said, “We don’t have to hire any new people – we have absolutely experienced people who have the necessary knowledge. “We’ve been planning our program for a long time because it’s all we want. We deserve more respect.”

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It seems the Andretti Autosport group will stop at nothing to get their team in F1. Would you like to see another American F1 team on the Grid?