F1’s American flirtation

There have been a lot of stories in recent weeks surrounding Michael Andretti’s eponymous team tying up with General Motors for a joint bid to enter Formula 1. Far from being welcomed with open arms, it has created a political storm across the sport and one that looks set to rumble for a while yet.

My perhaps simplistic view is that it would be great for F1 to have an Andretti-GM team on the grid (running under the Cadillac banner). The series is booming across the globe and having another team, especially one with two major household names above the door, is going to be good for the sport’s growth in the United States.

Michael and his F1 World Champion father Mario are both tremendously ambitious and tenacious characters who are also smart businessmen. With the authority, legitimacy and authenticity of being racing drivers first and foremost, they have used the Andretti brand to grow their business empire across the US whilst retaining their core passion and competitive spirit for the sport.