Mario Andretti has backed Andrea Kimi Antonelli as a future Formula 1 great while also expressing his hope that Ferrari can fight for the 2027 World Championship with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The 1978 Formula 1 world champion is enjoying the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin from two different perspectives, combining his American roots with a lifelong Italian passion for motorsport.
For the Italian-American legend, the enthusiasm surrounding Formula 1 in the United States and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s championship charge represent two particularly emotional sides of the current 2026 Formula 1 season. Andretti also remains closely involved in the championship through Cadillac, where he serves as a member of the board of directors.
Mario Andretti amazed by Formula 1’s growth in the United States
Where does the first source of joy come from today?
“From something unexpected. If someone had told me a few years ago that Formula 1 would become this successful in the United States, I would never have believed it. I raced in F1 for many years, but Americans cared very little about it and there certainly wasn’t the enthusiasm that exists today. Liberty Media has done something incredible from that point of view, and here in Austin you can feel the atmosphere of genuine passion.”
Mario Andretti assesses Cadillac’s first Formula 1 season
This year there is also an American team on the grid, Cadillac, where Andretti serves as a member of the board of directors. How is the team’s first season going?
“There has definitely been progress from the beginning of the championship until today, but obviously we are a young team, with a huge number of new employees who need to get used to this environment, and for a long time the team was not fully staffed. The drivers have done a very good job of making the right contribution with their experience, and we hope to come back next year with more strength and knowledge so that we can be competitive.”
What Mario Andretti believes Formula 1 is still missing
Asked what is missing from Formula 1 today, Andretti pointed to one element that could further strengthen the championship’s growing popularity in the United States.
“I’ll be a little romantic, but I would say an American driver. It would be wonderful to see all these fans able to support one of their own drivers one day. Apart from that, I would say F1 is perfect as it is. I’m not one of those former drivers who says, ‘Everything was better when I was racing’, because every generation has its own rules, its own fans and its own priorities and interests. This is a fantastic season with a great protagonist, Kimi Antonelli, who is giving us a lot of excitement.”
Mario Andretti backs Kimi Antonelli to become an F1 great
Andrea Kimi Antonelli represents Andretti’s second major source of joy. As an Italian-American himself, the former world champion is following the young Italian’s season with particular enthusiasm.
“As a huge fan. I’m thrilled by what Kimi is doing. He is spectacular to watch for anyone who loves Formula 1. Soon he’ll be the fourth Italian to win a World Championship after me, Ascari and Farina,” Andretti said with a laugh. “I know I’m not included on the list of Italian world champions because officially I’m considered American, but I also feel deeply Italian, so I’m happy that Antonelli will join me among the world champions. He has shown that he has everything necessary to become a great driver, despite being so young.”
Why Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Monza drive stood out
When asked which moment of the year had moved him the most, Andretti had no hesitation in choosing Monza, a circuit that also holds an important place in his own career.
“Definitely Monza. I won there and I know very well what it means to triumph in front of that crowd. On top of that, he did it after starting from the back, with an extraordinary comeback that he will never forget. He could win a hundred races, but that one will always remain special. For him and for everyone who watched it.”
Mario Andretti hopes Ferrari can fight for the 2027 F1 title
What does Andretti expect from next year?
“I hope to see an even stronger Ferrari. This year they have made a big step forward compared with last season, and I hope that in the next championship they will be even more competitive so they can fight for the World Championship. Lewis Hamilton has bounced back like a true champion after a very difficult season, while Charles Leclerc continues to prove that he is an excellent driver. Hopefully we can see them fighting for the title in 2027, perhaps even against Antonelli. That would be incredible for all the fans, Italian and otherwise.”
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