Andretti speaks about Enzo Ferrari and his F1 experience at the Festival dello Sport
At 85 years old, Mario Andretti continues to embody the purest and most authentic spirit of Formula 1. As a guest at the Festival dello Sport, the 1978 world champion revisited his extraordinary career and his deep connection with Ferrari, speaking with great emotion and passion. Andretti also shared his admiration for Enzo Ferrari and explained how he first got the chance to drive a Ferrari.
His dream was clear: to reach F1 and win
Mario Andretti’s dream had always been to compete in the top category of motorsport. In 1971 he achieved his first victory in South Africa, beginning a legendary journey that culminated seven years later with his world championship title. It was a path that he still recalls with the same enthusiasm he felt back then:
“Formula 1 was always the goal. I knew I had to achieve good results right from the lower categories in order to get there, to build a record that could open the doors to F1. The emotion of reaching my truest dream is something that never fades. I can say that I was born to race. And I can’t stop. The temptation to get behind the wheel is always there, even today, at 85 years old.”
Andretti recalls Enzo Ferrari: “He lived for his cars”
In his story, Mario Andretti expressed his love for the Maranello team and for Enzo Ferrari, who in 1981 gave him the opportunity to replace a Formula 1 driver.
“When he asked me to test the car, I completed 87 laps, and he was there watching me. That says it all: he was a man who lived for his cars. Someone like me, someone who thinks only about engines. I will always support Ferrari, no matter what. I like Charles Leclerc, he’s a very capable driver. And his time will come — I mean for Charles and for Ferrari.”
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