Former Formula 1 driver Michael Andretti says his organisation’sbid to join the F1 grid in 2024 has made "pretty good progress" over the lasttwo months. Michael’s father Mario Andretti revealed inFebruary that 'Andretti Global' had applied to the FIA for a Formula 1 entryfrom the 2024 season, claiming that the prospective squad "has theresources and checks every box". However, reaction to the proposed Andrettientry from elsewhere in the paddock has been mixed, as an 11th team would eatinto the prize money currently shared between the 10 existing outfits. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also cast doubton the proposed Andretti-backed entry into F1, saying in August that the sportdoesn't need any new teams. Despite the negativity surrounding the Andretti entry, Michaelclaimed that preparations were still ongoing to join the F1 grid. "Yeah, we're still moving forward," Michael was quoted as sayingby The Race . "We're stillworking hard. I think we made pretty good progress in the last couple of monthsand we’re not giving up."
The background to Andretti's bid
Mario revealed plans of the Andretti entry exclusively to RacingNews365.com back in February, saying that the operation would be based in England, with additional plans to set up Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams under the Andretti banner going forward. Mario subsequently added that the organisation had a formal agreement with Renault to use the French firm's power units. Andretti’s proposed F1 entry comes after Andretti Autosport - the multi-category operation led by Michael - missed out on a planned takeover of the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo F1 operation last year, with the move falling through at the last minute. Both Mario and Michael have raced in F1, with Mario winning 12 Grands Prix and the 1978 World Championship title, while Michael had an unsuccessful spell alongside Ayrton Senna at McLaren in 1993.
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