“Indy was, and is, a big myth in everybody’s mind”: When Mario Andretti explained IndyCar’s ‘special’ hold on drivers’ psychology

Racing titan Mario Andretti once delved into the psychology of drivers competing in the legendary Indianapolis 500 race. The story of the interview dates all the way back to the year 1974.

Virtually nothing evades the portfolio of racing icon Mario Andretti. From IndyCar Championships to Formula 1 titles to the prestigious Daytona 500 race, the Croatia-born American has proved his mettle in each of motorsport's biggest verticals.

However, the one win that stands out among the rest was his 1969 triumph in the Indy 500. Having competed at the iconic event 29 times, Andretti managed to win only once, but that single victory remains a cherished milestone. In a 1974 interview preserved by the International Motor Racing Research Center's IndyCar archive, Andretti shed light on his feelings about the event.

"Indy was, and is, a big myth in everybody’s mind," he said. "All the old-timers there look at ya and say ‘OK kid, don’t get too cocky, this is Indy’. So you think about it and you sit down and then you think ‘S***, I’m not gonna get psyched. This is just a speedway like any other’."

He elaborated further:

"So you get prepared and you get it right and you do it right. Indy is special because everybody knows about it—you can’t do things there quietly—but otherwise, the Indy thing is a myth."

Andretti also recently talked about his continued relationship with F1.

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How does Mario Andretti feel about his involvement in Cadillac F1?

Mario Andretti waves to the fans as he takes a ride around the track in the back of a pickup truck before the start of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 - Source: Getty

In a more recent interview with PlanetF1, Mario Andretti expressed his gratitude for remaining closely tied to Formula 1, a sport that still holds a central place in his life.

In 2023, when the FIA opened an expression of interest for new F1 teams, Andretti Global emerged as one of the most qualified candidates. While the FIA initially approved the entry, Formula One Management ultimately rejected it. Refusing to let this setback halt their ambitions, the Andrettis made way for Cadillac F1 to take over the project. This move led to FOM’s approval, thus beginning the Andrettis' saga in F1.

Mario Andretti, despite stepping back, has remained actively involved, having been invited to join Cadillac F1’s board of directors as an advisor. With his son Michael leading much of the team’s efforts, Andretti has found fulfillment as a driver coach and mentor.

"This sport is still our life. Michael is stepping aside a little bit, trying to enjoy life in a different way. But I still like to have involvement, and when I was invited to still be with the Cadillac team and have some say about drivers and all that — that’s what interests me more than anything," he said.

The length of Mario Andretti's involvement with Cadillac F1 is yet to come to light.