Emerson Fittipaldi has backed Michael Andretti in his pursuit to enter a Formula 1 team in the near future.
The Andretti name is one that is synonymous with motorsport with Michael's father Mario an American racing icon, having won the Formula 1 world championship and also enjoyed great success Stateside.
Michael followed in his footsteps to become a racing driver, too, though perhaps didn't hit the heights of his dad in F1, not that that has deterred him from wanting to get back onto the grid now in a team ownership role.
Fittipaldi's backing for Andretti
JAKARTA, INDONESIA - JUNE 04: Jake Dennis of Great Britain and Avalanche Andretti Motorsport #27 drives during Qualification Round of the Formula E Jakarta at Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit on June 04, 2022 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)
Indeed, it's been made clear that Andretti would like to enter a team in F1 but, so far, efforts have been largely quashed with several current team bosses already on the grid suggesting that Andretti would not be able to bring enough clout to warrant a place, compared to a big automotive brand like Porsche or Audi.
Toto Wolff has certainly been vocal in saying that F1 needs to be very picky with who it lets join to have a slice of the pie, but Fittipaldi believes that Andretti, and others, should be given spots on the grid - obviously providing they can afford to do so and will produce quick enough cars.
"My opinion, yes," the Brazilian said to Vegas Insider when asked if F1 should do more to get Andretti Autosport on the grid."
"More teams will be great for the fans, great for the drivers, great for TV, it'll be great for the show.
"I was talking to Michael in July during Formula E. He is very motivated to have a full American team. And that will be great for F1 to have a full American team competing.
"Not just another team, but an American team. Even for the racing fans in America, it'll be great to have an American driver and an American team. It will create much more interest and following for F1.”
The American market has become a big factor in F1's business model, with three races set to be hosted in the States from next season.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 30: Colton Herta of the United States, driver of the #26 Gainbridge Andretti Autosport w/ Curb Agajanian, stands on the grid prior to the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Colton Herta has been heavily linked as the next American driver to join the grid, meanwhile, though Super Licence laws have scuppered that one for now.
That all said, a team like Andretti could capitalise on the American market perhaps like no other but, as yet, it does not appear their spot on the grid is forthcoming.
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