Michael Andretti has confirmed he is stepping down in charge of the Andretti Global team which competes in IndyCar, Formula E and other series.
Last the year the FIA approved Andretti Global’s application to enter the Formula 1 world championship. However F1’s commercial rights holder Liberty Media refused to let them join the series.
Now Andretti, son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti, has announced he will hand control of the team over to business partner Dan Towriss.
“I was born a racer,” said Andretti in a statement released by the team. “From an early age, I didn’t know anything different than life in the fast lane. Being a ‘son of’ – be[ing] it a proud one – came with a high bar and once I pressed the gas, I never looked back.
“I stopped at nothing to find success. I drove for the passion and love of the sport, but I won for the fear of losing. My father’s childhood dream became my destiny and together, we built a legacy and a family business.
“When my driving days slowed, I set my sights on creating a space that would inspire future drivers to go faster than I had. I believe that, together with the help of many very qualified and passionate team members, I have been able to do just that. For the past two decades, our team has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We’ve grown on a global level that I believe is still untouched in motorsport and we’ve seen some of the best talent in racing proudly wear the Andretti badge.
“Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organization, and I am so proud of what we have built. But decades of running flat out doesn’t come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back. I’ve had a day-to-day operational role since even before I stepped out of the race car, and it’s time now to pass the baton to my partner and friend, Dan Towriss.”
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Coming so soon after his efforts to take his team into F1, Andretti said his decision “is somewhat of a shock to many, especially you, the fans, my extended family” but he intends to remain as an advisor.
“For many of you, you’ve watched me grow up, or you’ve grown up right alongside of me, and no matter what moves we’ve made as a team, you’ve stuck by our side at every turn. It is not lost on me that the generations of Andretti fans are the best in the…
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