Andretti delivers emotional 'step back' verdict to leave F1 bid in limbo

Michael Andretti has written an emotional open letter to his fans, explaining why he is taking a surprise step back from his illustrious motorsport career.

It emerged last week that Andretti would relinquish his ownership duties at Andretti Global as part of a major management shake-up, and instead become an advisor and ambassador to the team. Long-time friend and business partner Dan Towriss has assumed control.

The 62-year-old American has said there are many reasons for his decision, predominantly family related as he looks to take stock of his life and a break from motorsport in which he has been immersed his entire life.

Andretti has insisted his decision is a "turning of the page", rather than "a goodbye", but it opens the question as to what now for his bid to gain entry to F1 as he was its driving force.

After initially proving successful with the FIA's 'expression of interest' process in early 2023, his bid was rejected by F1 on commercial grounds. Andretti, notably, found vehement resistance from the current 10 teams.

There is a window of opportunity, but it relies on partner General Motors, via its Cadillac brand, to provide a works power unit in 2028.

It is understood the team continues to hire staff in the hope of convincing F1 of its validity for an earlier entry, but Andretti's move has cast doubt on the project. 

The Andretti letter

Here is Andretti's letter he has addressed to 'Our Fans'.

He wrote: I was born a racer. From an early age, I didn’t know anything different than life in the fast lane. Being a 'son of' – be it a proud one – came with a high bar and, once I pressed the gas, I never looked back. I stopped at nothing to find success. I drove for the passion and love of the sport, but I won for the fear of losing. My father’s childhood dream became my destiny and together, we built a legacy and a family business.

When my driving days slowed, I set my sights on creating a space that would inspire future drivers to go faster than I had. I believe that, together with the help of many very qualified and passionate team members, I have been able to do just that. For the past two decades, our team has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We’ve grown on a global level that I believe is still untouched in motorsport and we’ve seen some of the best talent in racing proudly wear the Andretti badge.

Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organization, and I am so proud of what we have built. But decades of running flat out doesn’t come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back. I’ve had a day-to-day operational role since even before I stepped out of the race car, and it’s time now to pass the baton to my partner and friend, Dan Towriss.

As I make this decision for myself, my family and this team, I know this is somewhat of a shock to many, especially you, the fans, my extended family. For many of you, you’ve watched me grow up, or you’ve grown up right alongside of me, and no matter what moves we’ve made as a team, you’ve stuck by our side at every turn.

It is not lost on me that the generations of Andretti fans are the best in the business. I’m honoured to be considered a fan favourite, a role model and a friend. And I thank you for a lifetime of support and, in some cases, your brutal honesty. 

But I am not going away – I will be serving as an advisor for the team and will be available to help wherever I can. While you might see me less at the racetrack, know that my passion for the sport and my support for our team, and its people, will remain unwavering.

My hope is that you, as Andretti fans, will keep supporting our team with the same enthusiasm and loyalty that you’ve so graciously shown myself and my family over the years. 

I’m excited about the opportunity to spend more time with my beautiful family, including my 10-year-old twins, embrace my new Nonno title and explore new things on a personal level and with my other businesses. So, this isn’t a goodbye. It is just the turning of the page.

With my sincere thanks and appreciation.