Andretti receives direction on how to proceed with Formula One bid

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. — Michael Andretti walked through the Formula One paddock quite literally going door-to-door. He wants into the most exclusive club in motorsports and figured pleading his case to the current team bosses was his best shot.

Andretti carried with him a white Miami Dolphins folder — he said he borrowed it from the promoters of the inaugural Miami Grand Prix last weekend — and inside was a piece of paper asking the 10 current F1 team leaders to support the addition of Andretti Global to the grid.

By the time he made it to the end of the paddock, Andretti’s chances seemed grim. He left his conversation with Red Bull principal Christian Horner — held in the outdoor, open area of Red Bull hospitality — with only two signatures. Horner did not sign.

Andretti didn’t even bother going next door to Mercedes, where boss Toto Wolff has not wavered in his opposition to adding teams because he believes that would dilute profits for those on the grid.

Andretti was discouraged but not defeated. By the time Sunday’s race began, he felt a lot better about his chances of returning the Andretti name to F1.

Andretti told The Associated Press he had an encouraging meeting with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. He said the same thing to new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem when they spoke before the race.

“We finally have some direction,” Andretti told AP. “It’s the

WILFREDO LEE / ASSOCIATED PRESS Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner (left) talks with Michael Andretti after the qualifying sessions for the Formula One Miami Grand Prix on Saturday at Miami International Autodrome.

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