F1 News: Andretti Global Pushes Ahead With Formula One Project As Team Unveils New Silvestone Facility

Lydia Mee | Apr 10, 2024

Andretti Global Silverstone Facility / Andretti Global Press Image

Andretti Global has today unveiled its new 40,000-square-foot facility in Silverstone, UK, as the team continues with its hopes of joining the Formula One grid in 2026. Both Michael and Mario Andretti hosted the event as well as partner Dan Towriss.

Key Takeaways:

• Andretti Global's new Silverstone facility signifies a steadfast commitment to joining the F1 grid, despite current uncertainties.
• The team aims for a 2026 entry, with plans for Renault and Cadillac powertrains in the initial seasons.
• Andretti's fresh approach to building a competitive F1 team from the ground up, along with a unique partnership with General Motors, sets a distinctive course in their F1 journey.

Friday, May 12, 2023, Michael Andretti, owner of Andretti Autosport, watches action during practice / Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar / USA TODAY

Andretti Global, under the leadership of Michael and Mario Andretti and Dan Towriss, took a decisive step towards realising their Formula One dream by unveiling a state-of-the-art facility in Silverstone. This move comes in the wake of a hiccup in their F1 application process, yet it underscores a relentless drive towards securing a grid position by 2026.

Despite an initial rejection from Formula One Management at the end of January, Andretti Global's progress remains undeterred. The team's strategic development, from occupying a temporary base to transitioning into a sprawling 40,000-square-foot complex, reflects an unwavering dedication to their F1 aspirations. This commitment extends to a planned expansion and the establishment of a robust design and manufacturing network spanning from Silverstone to the United States.

Michael Andretti's enthusiasm was palpable during the event as he addressed the team and select media including Sports Illustrated. He commented:

"F1 is obviously the pinnacle of auto racing in the world.

“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.

“And 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.

“So it's a big goal, it's been a goal of ours for a few years now. And we are right there, we're going to be there. And we feel very strongly that we're going to be there.

“And 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."

Dan Towriss, Andretti Global partner, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the critical nature of the Silverstone facility's inauguration. He added:

"I'd say an important step is today, it's opening our facility in Silverstone.

“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.

“The collaboration with General Motors is fantastic, hearing how everybody's working together, across time zones. Technology allows things to happen in real time, it's so exciting. And so just to continue to capitalise on that opportunity.

“We just want to keep building. This is an important step today, and we'll continue to build. We've got a facility in Fishers that's being built as well, just to make sure that we have a world-class facility for world-class people to build a world-class team.”

May 28, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; IndyCar Series former driver Mario Andretti reacts prior / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mario Andretti also explained to the team:

"I think one thing is we are building from scratch. So we're building a team with new ideas. I think some of the old teams that you join, they're already set in their ways.

“And we can go and design this exactly the way we want it, and do it in a new modern way. And I think there could be a huge advantage.

“And then having as a partner GM, who is as excited as we all are about getting out there and showing their technology, when we're going to bring all that together, we'll bring in something that's really unique.

“Along with another thing that's ever been done, and I think it's going to be a big story, it's going to be an all-American team in the end, with the car being built in the US, with an American engine, American owners and eventually American drivers. So it's always cool to be doing something that's never been done before.”

The unveiling of the Silverstone facility symbolises Andretti's continued push to enter the Formula One grid.