While the Americans hesitate, Andretti declares his love to F1
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- Ludo van Denderen
After a one-month break, Formula 1 resumes with the United States Grand Prix. It is one of three races in America on the 2024 F1 calendar. Since the Netflix series Drive to Survive, attention for the sport has increased significantly, but enthusiasm seems to have reached a plateau: ratings have remained flat for a while, and the only American driver has had to leave the grid because he was deemed not good enough. It seems a growth spurt in the sport's popularity is unlikely in the short term.
Ahead of the race in Austin, GPblog spoke to racing legend Mario Andretti about whether he still sees the positive vibe that F1 managed to create before? "I hope so," is his honest response. "It's all about trying to feed the balloon. That's what Formula One has experienced," alluding to the fact that the sport must continue to invest in the United States to hold the attention of Americans.
Unconditional love from Andretti
Andretti is always enthusiastic about motorsport, even at the age of 84. "I love Formula One and I hope that continues and then also builds on that. I want motor racing to be successful in every corner, no matter what. My love for the sport will never vanish. It will only be stronger. I don't think anyone on this planet loves motor racing more than I do. Maybe as much but not more."
GPblog then asks if his son Michael - who recently quit as owner of his own racing team, Andretti Global - might be the person who loves the sport more. Andretti laughed. Once again, the American said: "Nobody loves it as much as I do!"
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton
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