'Andretti will make a move to Formula 1 via deal with Sauber'
Rumors
- GPblog.com
Andretti is a big name in motorsport. Andretti already has a team in Formula E, IndyCar and Extreme E. Now Michael Andretti, son of former F1 driver Mario Andretti, seems to have his sights set on an F1 takeover of Sauber Motorsport and Sauber Engineering.
This would also mean that Alfa Romeo would be in the hands of the American team. According to The Race, Andretti's interest in the Sauber-led Alfa Romeo team is now likely to lead to a final investment.
Last month, a statement from Andretti came out that they would like to go to F1, but there was no other news about it. The deal is more than welcome in F1, as the sport wants to increase attention in the United States. An American name in Formula 1 would certainly contribute to this.
Vasseur cannot say anything
Andretti would seek an 80% stake in Sauber Motorsport and Sauber Engineering. Team boss of Alfa Romeo, and Sauber CEO, Fred Vasseur said the following after the Friday in Turkey: "I can say nothing because honestly, it’s not in my parameter. I’m the CEO and team principal and these kind of discussions are not with me, it would be with the shareholders. We have so many rumours and so on that, you have to ask the question to the shareholders of the company.”
It is unclear what impact an investment from Andretti would have on the Sauber-Alfa Romeo partnership. It also raises the question of whether the new investment will have an impact on plans for the second driver. Valtteri Bottas' teammate for 2022 has not yet been announced.