Some time ago, he set himself the goal of joining Formula One. After the initial failure of his collaboration with Sauber/Alfa Romeo, he set out to amass a huge budget and resources in order to find himself in F1 by fielding an 11th team, even though the FIA was not exactly easing the way. At Circuit of the Americas before the US GP, Michael Andretti was interviewed by Roksana Ćwik.
What do you think about Formula One and why do you want to be here?
First of all, we're in the business of auto racing and it's been our life. And Formula One is the pinnacle of auto racing. So of course, we'd love to have our brand here competing against the best in the world. That's why we really are pushing to try to be here.
How close are you on this journey? Closer than before?
We think we're getting closer. So that's all I can say right now.
If you will choose the driver, will he be from the USA or will you also consider other nationalities?
For sure we want one from the USA, then we'd look to get an experienced driver for the other seat.
You are now here with F1, but I must ask about IndyCar, because you have had a lot of success this year. How does it feel to see your drivers being on the top?
That's what it's all about, right? We're in it to win it. If we're not winning, we're not happy. So we're satisfied when we're winning.
If you can compare F1 and IndyCar what they have in common and what are the main differences?
I think what's different is that Formula One is just huge. It's a global sport, while IndyCar is a more domestic sport. And also it's a spec series, cars are in spec, whilst here [in F1] they are way open. They're quite different in a lot of ways, but yet they're the same in a lot of ways. They have the same problems, same things as we have, but just on a different scale. But competition wise, level, they're very hard to win, either one of them.
How important is it to have a spotter?
It's only important on the ovals. On a road course you don't need a spotter. They are very important on the ovals.
If you could choose one of the tracks which are not currently in IndyCar, which one would you choose and why?
Probably Milwaukee. It's an oval. Small oval. That was one of my favorite tracks and I’d love to see that to be back on the schedule.
