Formula One Management (FOM) may have rejected Andretti Global’s bid to join the highly competitive grid in 2026, but, the American racing outfit hardly seems fazed by the decision. Indeed, the likes of Mario Andretti and his son Michael Andretti had reactionary statements on FOM’s unusual reluctance to let an 11th team onto the grid.
However, soon after, the duo moved on, continuing with their vision, hoping not to give Formula 1 another reason to reject their next likely proposal. One such move turned out to be a multi-million dollar investment from Andretti. Even before securing a place on the F1 grid, Andretti now owns a massive multi-story base in Silverstone, solely for operations surrounding their soon-to-arrive Formula 1 team.
With this interesting development, Andretti Global is now the only team apart from Aston Martin to own a base in Silverstone. But, that’s not it! The famous Indy brand will also be the seventh team to function from the United Kingdom along with Mercedes, Williams, McLaren, Alpine, Red Bull, and the aforementioned Aston Martin.
Michael Andretti disappointed with FOM’s statement post-Andretti Global rejection
Andretti wasn’t a happy man after hearing what the FOM had said about Andretti Global’s proposal for 2026. The American openly confessed that he was “offended” by the statement, and is hoping to turn the tables around over what will be the second meeting between the two parties in Miami next week.
“I was offended, actually,” he told AP. ” I don’t think we deserved that, to be honest with you. It’s a big investment in the series, and you’d think they’d welcome that. Even the value of the series is more valuable with 11 teams than 10, so I don’t know. Tell us what is really wrong.
NEW FACTORY: American-owned motorsports giant Andretti Global has opened a new 48,000 sq ft factory at Silverstone Park in Northamptonshire.
The Indianapolis-headquartered firm’s new European base comprises production facilities, including pattern, model and machine shops, ADM,… pic.twitter.com/dtY11jYts4
— Jefferson (@Jefferson_MFG) April 14, 2024
“That’s another offensive statement there. We’re the ones that worked it out, and GM said it over and over, ‘Andretti or nothing,’ and then (F1) still tried to take it. There’s an undercurrent there that I don’t understand, quite honestly, but if they want blood, well, I’m ready,” the 61-year-old concluded.
Overall, not only does Andretti own a fully-built Formula 1 car, but he also owns a huge facility in the United Kingdom, exclusively for F1. Furthermore, Andretti is looking to build three more bases in the United States and several other countries, and this could well be the start of a future world-champion outfit. Watch out for more development surrounding this interesting Andretti-FOM saga.
Sara Chavan