Mario Andretti claims Liberty Media owner will do ‘everything in his power’ to stop Andretti-Cadillac from joining F1

I was trying to explain to Stefano Domenicali that it was Washington who summoned us after he attended a Red Bull performance, and at that moment Greg Maffei stepped into the conversation and said ‘ Mario, I want to tell you that I will do everything in my power to make Michael never enter Formula 1 Mario Andretti told NBC.

Andretti’s preparations to join the Formula 1 grid didn’t stop even after the team was rejected by Formula 1. The American constructor built their own factory in Silverstone to showcase promising prospects for the team’s arrival. Additionally, Andretti also had a similar employee count to the Haas F1 Team present on the grid. Michael Andretti and Co. haven’t backed down on their dreams of joining the grid one day.

Mario Andretti labeled the moment as a ‘bullet in the heart’

Michael Andretti’s father was extremely heartbroken and surprised to hear such a stern response from Maffei. Andretti has constantly been hellbent on trying to convince Formula 1 to allow the team’s entry. However, the sport has taken the final call and wouldn’t reconsider the bid even by the regulation changes of the 2026 season.

Mario Andretti recalled the moment and showcased his dissatisfaction with Maffei’s words. The 84-year-old claimed that he couldn’t ‘believe’ the words that were coming out of Liberty Media’s owner. Additionally, Andretti highlighted that the words were like a bullet to his heart and he was unaware of the entire situation being so personal to Maffei.

I couldn't believe it, it really shocked me. We are talking about business. I didn't know it was something so personal. It was like a bullet in the heart. Mario Andretti added.

However, despite the constant rejection that Andretti has been facing, the team has never backed down. The American constructor has showcased great willpower to join the grid and wouldn’t give up so easily. The team will continue to battle it out with Formula 1 to finalize an entry onto the grid as the 11th team.