Andretti opens Silverstone facility, plans F2/F3 entries

Andretti has not stopped its dream of racing in Formula 1, having opened a new facility in Silverstone, plus revealed plans to enter Formula 2 and Formula 3.

The famous American name hopes of being on the Formula 1 grid in the future and the team was granted an entry by the FIA last October. However, Andretti’s bid was not approved by F1 in January.

Despite this setback the team still hopes an entry can be granted in 2026 and Wednesday’s announcements are the truest indications of their ambitions.

Both Michael and Mario Andretti opened the 40,000 square foot facility which features an aero department with a mechanical department also on the way as the team also plans on taking over an adjacent building.

The race and design teams will be based in Silverstone, whilst the manufacturing of the cars will be in Indianapolis.

Andretti Global partner Dan Towriss said the opening of the UK base is “an important step”.

“I’d say an important step is today, it’s opening our facility in Silverstone,” he said.

“It’s also continuing to acquire the talent necessary, to have the people, the financial resources, the technical resources able to have a competitive team. And so we’re assembling the resources.

“Michael and I and Mario have a few things to do behind the scenes, but we’re going to take care of business there. And so while that’s happening, we’re continuing to build the team.”

At the opening, Michael Andretti made it clear F1 is the ultimate goal, with plans to use Renault power from 2026 before a switch to Cadillac power in 2028.

“F1 is obviously the pinnacle of auto racing in the world,” he said.

“We’re in all different types of racing series, but to be in F1 is at the top and so that’s why I think for our brand, it’d be huge.

“It’ll just complete our goal, and that is to be in every single major sporting racing event in the world. And then obviously, getting to F1 is the top of that.

“It’s been a goal of ours for a few years now and we feel very strongly that we’re going to be there.

“We’re building a fantastic team as well, this is something that’s going to be unique to F1, to build a real F1 team from scratch with great brains.

“This is something that I think could catch a lot of people off-guard when we do finally get on the grid.”

Andretti also revealed that not only he hopes an F1 team can operate from its new Silverstone base, but also the current Formula E team and eventually Formula 2 and 3 teams to create a pathway.

“This is going to be mainly for F1, these two facilities, but we also want to bring in our Formula E team and start integrating it here,” he said.

“Our goal is to have an F3/F2 team to help support the F1 team, and then maybe even a WEC team. 

“So we want to make this our hub for European racing, so a lot of cool plans in this area.”

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