Mario Andretti teases 'news and changes' about a potential F1 grid inclusion

Former F1 world champion Mario Andretti claimed there would be "news and changes" regarding their F1 project in the future. The Italian-American, along with his son, former F1 world champion Michael Andretti, had been trying hard to get a grid inclusion for 2026. As reported by ESPN, Andretti's bid was initially approved by the FIA from a technical perspective, however, all 10 F1 teams voted against the decision as they believed the American's team wouldn't bring any value to the sport. But the teams reportedly remained open to the idea of another bid from the automotive giants in 2028.

In October of this year, Michael Andretti decided to step away from Andretti Global as the CEO to move into an advisory role. With minimal reports regarding the American team ever since they set up a base in the UK, many had feared that might turn their attention away from the grid inclusion.

Speaking with Gazzetta Della Sport, the 84-year-old spoke about his son's moving away and provided an update on the project and said (as quoted by Motorsport week):

“This is a topic that sees my son Michael and his company as protagonists, not me. What I can say is that there will be news and changes and that my full support goes to my son for all the decisions and choices he has made during this period and that he will make in the future to best manage the situation."

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Michael Andretti gives his take on stepping away from CEO role

Former McLaren F1 driver Michael Andretti stated that despite stepping away from the role of CEO of the motorsport giants, he would still be involved with the brand,

As quoted by Autosport in October this year, the American said in his statement:

"Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organization, and I am so proud of what we have built. But decades of running flat out doesn’t come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back.

"I’ve had a day-to-day operational role since even before I stepped out of the race car, and it’s time now to pass the baton to my partner and friend, Dan Towriss. But I am not going away – I will be serving as an advisor for the team and will be available to help wherever I can."

The American automotive giants have been working with General Motors to develop the car as per the new 2026 regulations in their bid to secure a grid spot in the future. They also opened a working site at Silverstone and hired over 100 employees including former F1 Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds.

Before their failed attempt to become the 11th team on the F1 grid, Andretti Global had tried to acquire the Sauber F1 team but lost the bid to Audi and was unable to secure an engine deal with Renault for the new regulations.