Mario Andretti has revealed that Andretti's ambition is to be on the Formula 1 grid in 2026, despite its entry being blocked.
After the FIA had deemed Andretti's bid had met all technical requirements, the prospective team entered into commercial talks with F1 over terms to enter as an 11th team, something some of the existing 10 outfits strongly opposed.
F1 ultimately rejected Andretti's entry bid for 2026, believing it had underestimated the scope of the challenge before it and that it would not bring value to the championship, but the door was left ajar for 2028, providing power unit partner General Motors could provide a unit.
Andretti has since opened up a new technical hub at Silverstone and is continuing with its preparation plans, and explained at the Miami Grand Prix that the team is still working towards a 2026 entry.
"What I can say is that we are working every day on it, we're ready to meet whatever challenges there are, just tell us what and we're ready," Andretti told Sky Sports F1.
"We are preparing in every possible way and our intention is to be on the grid in 2026, that is doable, 100%."
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Andretti's comments came after he visited Capitol Hill during the Miami Grand Prix week, where 12 bipartisan members of the United States Congress signed a letter to Liberty Media chief Greg Maffei asking why Andretti's bid had been blocked.
The 1978 world champion explained this invitation came after a recent Red Bull demo run in front of the White House on Pennslyvania Avenue.
"That was because Formula 1 obviously had an exhibition on Pennslyvania Avenue and many members of Congress knew more than I ever thought about our plight," said Andretti of the visit to Congress.
"They asked me to come and explain why we are not allowed yet [in F1]."
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