Andretti joining F1 by 2024

Wait...is Andretti joining F1 by 2024?

In a recent interview with SkySports F1, Mario Andretti let slip that his son Michael is working diligently to get an American-based Formula One team on the grid by the 2024 season. This information came as a surprise to many in the F1 community, as it was widely believed that the Andretti family had given up on their Formula One aspirations after Colton Herta was unable to secure a Super license waiver from the FIA.

So, what gives? Is this new information? And if so, what does it mean for the future of Formula One? Let's take a closer look.

It's no secret that Liberty Media, the current owners of Formula One, are keen to increase the sport's profile in America. Despite repeated assurances that they are committed to maintaining a global footprint, all evidence points to a concentrated effort to grow Formula One's American audience. The addition of an American team led by one of motorsport's most iconic families would go a long way towards achieving that goal.

Time will tell whether or not Michael Andretti will be successful in his bid to join Formula One. However, one thing is certain: if anyone can make it happen, it’s him. His experience and success in other major racing series gives him a distinct advantage over other would-be entrants into the world of F1. Additionally, Liberty Media’s stated goal of growing Formula One’s American audience makes them ripe for partnering with an American team like Andretti.

As a passionate fan of the sport, I sincerely hope they make this happen. The Andretti name is part of the DNA of racing - and to see it again in F1 would be a blessing for the sport.

One of my favorite Mario Andretti conversations revolved around the "high speed slide" at Indy - there was a time where they had NO speed limits and Mario tried it