"It was very difficult many times, but I learned a lot": When Michael Andretti reflected on his failed F1 stint

Andretti Autosport owner and motorsports veteran Michael Andretti explained that even though his time in F1 was difficult, he learned a lot from it and was not quitting the sport altogether. The American signed with Chip Ganassi Racing to return to Indycar following an underwhelming time with McLaren in the 1993 F1 season.

Andretti never returned to the F1 paddock, despite claiming that he would have performed better if he did return following his exit midway through the 1993 season. In his only season, he finished 11th in the World Drivers' Championship standings while his teammate, Ayrton Senna, finished runner-up.

Michael Andretti made his debut for McLaren at the 1993 South African Grand Prix held at Kyalami. His debut foreshadowed his time in F1 as it proved to be a disastrous outing with the American having to retire the car after just four laps. He left the team and was replaced by McLaren test driver Mika Hakkinen with 3 races left in the season.

When asked about his switch back to America after just one unfinished season, Michael Andretti said that he was happy with the decision and that this was not a goodbye to F1. He said:

“I’m happy about the decision and, as Ron [Dennis] said, it does not mean I’m quitting F1. I enjoyed my stint. It was very difficult many times, but I learned a lot and I know if I was to go back there now that I would have a totally different year.” [via The Race]

Andretti also explained his reasoning behind the decision, suggesting he had no clarity on his future from McLaren team boss Ron Dennis.

“Ron [Dennis], at this time, was not ready to make a decision on his 1994 line-up. Having Chip’s offer on the table, I thought that if I was to let that slip away I could be put in a position where I would not have anything next year," he added.

Michael Andretti had a successful career in America, on the other side of his stint in F1. He won 42 career races in Indycar, securing one CART Indycar World Series championship in 1991. He also won his comeback race in Indycar in Australia in 1994 and remained one of the top drivers in the series till his retirement.

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"Best possible team at the worst possible time" - When Mario Andretti reflected on Michael Andretti's time in F1 with McLaren

Michael Andretti and Mario Andretti at the 104th Indianapolis 500, 2019 - Source: Getty

Michael Andretti's father and former F1 champion Mario Andretti reflected on his son's time with McLaren, suggesting that he joined the best team at the worst time. The American also mentioned that the whole situation was also misunderstood by observers.

Mario Andretti explained that with the rule changes that came in in 1993 and with his son's inexperience in F1, the season was the perfect storm for the incoming American.

Expanding on Michael's struggles, he said: [via roadandtrack.com]

“This was the most misunderstood situation that you could ever have. The best way I can say it to begin with is that he went with the best possible team at the worst possible time.”

Mario Andretti also went on to explain that the rule changes in 1993 meant that a driver could only run 23 laps in practice and it worked as a disadvantage for Michael, who was unfamiliar with the race tracks in F1 and could not get enough practice at any event.