On the age of 85, motorsports legend Mario Andretti reveals no signal of slowing down. Nonetheless energetic in Components 1 (as an advisor to the brand new Cadillac F1 crew), Andretti joined Károly Méhes for an unique interview to share his opinions on the present state of the game and reminisce about his racing days.
Authentic racing pictures kindly equipped by Vroomfoto
Components 1 has all the time had a presence within the USA, nevertheless it wasn’t all the time that well-liked. Why do you suppose that was the case?
Within the USA there have all the time been many various sorts of racing. Knowledgeable driver might have a profitable profession racing in IndyCar, NASCAR or sports activities automobiles with out even fascinated by Components 1. However Components 1’s reputation has exploded dramatically within the final couple of years, particularly since Drive to Survive. This sequence has woke up an all-new viewers in a method we’ve by no means seen earlier than. It’s great to see. And now we have now three races within the USA.
I fell in love with F1 once I was a youngster and nonetheless dwelling in Italy. [14-year old Andretti attended the 1954 Italian Grand Prix at Monza as a spectator]. After I moved to America, F1 was all the time in my thoughts, despite the fact that I used to be competing in different sequence and having some good success. I by no means stopped on the lookout for a chance to drive in Components 1. Then I met Colin Chapman and in addition bought to know the individuals at Ferrari. It was very encouraging to have contact with the highest groups.
You lastly bought your probability with Lotus in 1968, beginning on pole on your first race at Watkins Glen. Did you take pleasure in racing there?
I preferred Watkins Glen. I drove each of the observe figurations, and in addition raced there in sports activities automobiles and IndyCars. Attendance at Watkins Glen was superb, it was a serious occasion. Later we had Lengthy Seashore and it was well-liked as properly, however after this we raced on totally different avenue circuits and it didn’t work, and we didn’t know why.
You additionally tasted success at Lengthy Seashore, did you want this circuit?
Lengthy Seashore was my favourite kind of avenue circuit. You want to management your aggression and in addition use each inch of the circuit, proper as much as the partitions. I really like the problem and in addition had some luck there. [Andretti won the 1977 USA West Grand Prix at Long Beach for Lotus.] Lengthy Seashore remains to be a well-liked circuit in IndyCar. This race will get the second largest viewers after the Indy 500.
You drove your final F1 race within the USA, on the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix in Las Vegas. How was that circuit?
The circuit in Vegas was very restrictive as a result of it was actually quick. It will have been higher for go karts! This was my final race in Components 1, however I used to be not completed but as a result of I went again to IndyCar, the place I received 18 extra races and the championship!
American groups have come and gone in Components 1 over time, by no means with a lot success. You even encourage your IndyCar crew, Parnelli, to affix Components 1. How was that have?
The issue with Parnelli was that the one one who actually cared about this system was me…! There was some pleasure from others concerned, however their efforts weren’t adequate. After doing just a few races with them in 1975, they determined to drag out of Components 1 with out telling me!
I keep in mind sitting on the grid in Lengthy Seashore in 1976, and one of many broadcasters requested me how I felt about Staff Parnelli pulling out of Components 1 after the race. I mentioned it was information to me! Finally it labored out properly for me, as a result of I used to be in a position to be part of Colin Chapman at Lotus and we had numerous success within the subsequent few years.
You’ve been concerned in lots of tasks to advertise Components 1 within the USA. Do you suppose you’ve helped issues go in the fitting path?
I don’t know if I had any affect, however my love for Components 1 by no means vanished. My life in motor racing was born out of a love for Components 1, and this sport gave me the chance to accomplish my largest dream of changing into world champion. I’ll all the time be optimistic about Components 1, as a result of it’s my life and I’m nonetheless an enormous fan.
Components 1 is presently racing at three circuits within the USA, in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas. Is there room for any extra?
I have to say that three races could be very formidable, nevertheless it’s working properly. I don’t suppose we’d like extra, since you run the chance of oversaturating the market. I believe we have now to be happy with three venues. It’s not straightforward to decide on between the three circuits, although I’ve a gentle spot for Austin, as I used to be a marketing consultant through the early days of Circuit of The Americas. It’s a really fascinating observe. Miami is fascinating as properly, the organizers have invested some huge cash and are doing an incredible job. The race in Las Vegas takes over the entire metropolis, and I believe that race might be right here for a very long time to come back.
A brand new crew from the USA might be becoming a member of the grid subsequent yr. Do you remorse that it’s Staff Cadillac and never Staff Andretti?
All of this stuff are out of my management. The F1 mission was began by my son, Michael. After he retired from racing, he all the time had ambitions to turn into a crew proprietor. He had nice successes along with his IndyCar crew. I by no means shared his ambition to turn into a crew proprietor however I’m very happy with what he has achieved. I advised him I used to be able to assist in any method, however I didn’t need a job.
I used to be solely ever involved in driving, however should you ask my opinion, for instance in regards to the driver state of affairs, I’m prepared to supply my recommendation. And that’s the way it’s labored out with Cadillac. Michael is now not concerned within the mission, however they requested me to be an adviser. I didn’t need a fancy job title or to must make large selections. If I need to go to a Components 1 race subsequent yr, no less than I do know that I’ll have a motorhome to go to!
Is Cadillac able to step as much as Components 1 subsequent yr?
I believe every part goes in the fitting path. Cadillac could be very dedicated and the operation at Silverstone is flourishing. It’s nice to see how everybody is stuffed with optimistic vitality. I’m a small a part of it, however I’m glad to be concerned.
The individuals operating the crew know their job and know the dimensions of the problem they’re dealing with. I do know they’re working exhausting and doing every part they will to attain outcomes, and that’s all you’ll be able to ask. You can not work miracles, however each crew faces the identical problem subsequent yr with the brand new laws. I’m additionally actually thrilled that the crew has managed to safe Ferrari engines.
Had been you consulted about Cadillac’s selection of drivers for 2026?
I used to be requested my opinion, and I agreed that Pérez and Bottas have been the proper selections. They’ve the 2 finest out there drivers, in addition to an incredible third driver in Colton Herta. Pérez and Bottas have labored with high groups, received races and are very skilled. I don’t suppose a brand new crew might do any higher. It’s great that they have been out there and have been keen to affix the crew.
How do you’re feeling in regards to the latest type of Ferrari?
I had good relations with Enzo and can all the time have a particular love for Ferrari. I received my first Components 1 race with Ferrari and in addition ended my profession there. Relating to the present state of affairs, I’d like to see Ferrari doing higher. They undoubtedly have succesful drivers.
Lastly, what do you anticipate from the remainder of the 2025 F1 season?
McLaren finds itself in a implausible state of affairs. The automobile is acting at a really excessive stage and so they have two drivers who’re each able to profitable. Oscar Piastri appears to have the higher hand after Lando’s retirement at Zandvoort, however as a crew they do an exceptional job. I’ve actually loved seeing the crew’s efficiency enhance so dramatically!
