Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti is a former Formula 1 driver and world champion, born on 28 February 1940. The American is a motorsport legend thanks to his success in Formula 1, IndyCar and NASCAR. Today, he is a businessman and closely involved with the future Formula 1 team of Cadillac, which aims to join the grid in 2026.

Andretti made his Formula 1 debut in 1968 for Lotus during the United States Grand Prix. In the years that followed, he combined F1 races with appearances in the US, including in IndyCar. From 1975, he had a full-time seat in Formula 1, first with Parnelli and from 1976 with Lotus.

His first Formula 1 win came in 1971 for Ferrari, but his peak year was 1978, when he became world champion with Lotus under designer Colin Chapman. That season, he won six races and fought an internal title battle with teammate Ronnie Peterson. After Peterson’s death in a crash at Monza, Andretti clinched the title.

In total, Andretti started 128 Grands Prix, taking 12 wins and 19 podiums. He ended his Formula 1 career in 1982 with Williams.

Andretti is one of the few drivers to excel in both Formula 1 and top-level American series. He won the IndyCar National Championship four times, claimed victory at the legendary Indy 500 in 1969, and won the 1967 Daytona 500 in NASCAR. He remains the only driver to combine a world title with wins in both the Indy 500 and Daytona 500.

After retiring from racing, Andretti became a successful entrepreneur. Together with his son Michael, he founded Andretti Autosport, a team competing in IndyCar and Formula E. He also launched businesses offering fans the chance to drive race cars and fronted sponsorship deals with Firestone and Texaco.

Andretti has been closely involved in the Andretti-Cadillac F1 project, serving as ambassador and future team principal for the Formula 1 outfit aiming to enter in 2026, with plans to build its own engine from 2028.

Andretti voiced himself in the animated film Cars. His character was based on the car he drove to victory in the Daytona 500, underlining his iconic status in American motorsport.

Mario Andretti heads a famous racing family. His son Michael is team principal of Andretti Global, his grandson Marco Andretti races in IndyCar and won the 2022 SRX Series championship. His twin brother Aldo also raced until a serious accident ended his career.

Andretti’s net worth is estimated at $130 million, built from his racing career, sponsorships and successful ventures, including a winery and his stake in Andretti Autosport.