Mario Andretti: I feel optimistic

There was clear optimism from Mario Andretti’s comments about the prospects of creating a new Formula 1 team, and the American side’s preparations for this project are in full swing, despite the formal refusal to apply for participation to accept the championship by the FOM. Although this application had previously been approved by the FIA.

Andretti Cadillac hopes that the 11th World Cup team can be at the start in 2026.

“There is progress on all fronts,” Andretti told PlanenF1. – We have finally officially opened our base in Silverstone. I became optimistic because we do a lot of painstaking work. There is still some completion to be achieved, and I hope it will happen soon. We are working hard to meet all requirements and hope that everything turns out well.

Some of the team staff has already been recruited and we also have some interesting specialists waiting until we finally get the green light from Formula 1. We are just trying to show that everything is going as it should go. Of course General Motors supports us in everything, because it is very important to bring into the championship a manufacturer that has never been in F1 before.

I think what should also work in our favor is the fact that Formula 1 is now attracting a lot of attention in the US, and I have an absolutely positive attitude…

When FOM rejected us, it was obviously unpleasant. But I’d rather not remember this, because we have made some progress, and this even extends to our relationship. I’m not going to elaborate on this topic because we’re moving forward. I understand that the refusal was not FOM’s final decision and that gives us confidence.

Our contacts continue; the first extensive exchange of views with FOM, when we were at the negotiating table, has already taken place. In general, I have reasons to be in a good mood. There is nothing more important to us than this project. I would like to emphasize that our goal is to start in 2026. That’s the plan.”