Andretti fonda il proprio team in Formula 2 e 3

(Motorsport-Total.com) – Aspirant Formula 1 team Andretti plans to launch its own teams in Formula 2 and Formula 3 to create a real ladder to the pinnacle of motorsport, allowing American drivers to make their way into Formula 1.

Andretti announced the opening of its new factory in Silverstone this week, from which it will manage many racing programs in Europe, including the current Formula E and later the WEC, and hopefully Formula 1 as well.

However, the efforts of the American racing team to enter Formula 1 were rejected earlier this year: Despite approval from the FIA, Andretti did not receive a starting place in Formula 1 for 2025 and 2026.

Team founder Michael Andretti is undeterred and continues his efforts. If they eventually secure a spot in Formula 1, teams in the junior categories below will also follow.

“Our goal is to have an F3/F2 team to support the Formula 1 team,” says Andretti. “And then maybe a WEC team. We want to make this our headquarters for European motorsport,” he says about the new facility. “So, there are many cool plans in this area.”

Entry depends on Formula 1 project

An entry into Formula 2 or Formula 3 might be easier than into Formula 1, as even though FOM holds the broadcasting rights, series chief Bruno Michel has been managing the two series for years and may not have as strict requirements as his counterpart Stefano Domenicali in Formula 1.

Currently, eleven teams compete in Formula 2, whereas when the series was previously known as GP2 until 2016, there were regularly 13 teams on the grid.

How Andretti got caught between Liberty and the FIA

Formula 3, on the other hand, seems to be full for now: While there are only ten teams, each with three drivers, the field already consists of 30 cars.

But an entry is not immediately on the horizon, as everything depends on the confirmation for Formula 1, as team partner Dan Towriss confirms.

“But the development of drivers has always been a trademark of Michael, who has an eye for talent,” he says to Motorsport.com. “And that is something that is very important to him. Regardless of the series we are in, there will be a development series that produces the drivers of the future.”

Fair chance for Americans

According to Michael Andretti, the junior series “will be a good ladder for American drivers,” but not exclusively. “We are still looking for the best talent in the world,” he says.

“But it will give an American driver a fair chance because when an American comes here, they are usually not treated the same,” criticizes Andretti. “Here in our team, you will be treated fairly throughout the entire system. Plus, we can truly determine if the talent is genuine or not.”

According to Towriss, establishing a youth project is also a logical step to bring American drivers to Europe at an early stage. “I think sometimes people think, ‘Oh, they just want to bring in IndyCar drivers,'” he says. “I believe there are some talented IndyCar drivers who can make the leap now.”

However, “We want to have a development series with F3 and F2 to develop drivers to move them up and ensure that American drivers come over at the right time and have every opportunity to claim a spot in Formula 1.”