Michael Andretti

Michael Andretti is a former Formula 1 driver and the son of world champion Mario Andretti. He made his name as a multiple race winner in the American IndyCar series and spent the 1993 season in Formula 1. Today, he is the founder and team principal of Andretti Autosport. For years, he was the face of the Cadillac F1 project, but he no longer plays a direct role in the future Formula 1 team.

Andretti began his motorsport career in the 1980s in Formula Ford and Formula Atlantic. In 1984, he was named Rookie of the Year in the Indy 500. His first IndyCar win came in 1986, and he was crowned champion in 1991. Notably, he never won the Indy 500, despite leading more laps than any other driver in the race’s history.

In 1993, Andretti moved to Formula 1, joining Ayrton Senna at McLaren. His F1 career lasted just thirteen races, with a podium finish in Italy as the highlight. He was replaced later that season by Mika Hakkinen.

After returning to the United States, he immediately won his first CART race and continued racing until 2002, achieving 42 wins in the series. He later made several appearances in the Indy 500.

After retiring as a driver, Andretti founded Andretti Autosport, leading the team to success in IndyCar, Formula E, and IMSA, including multiple championships and Indy 500 victories.

In 2022, together with General Motors, he submitted an application to enter Formula 1 under the Andretti-Cadillac name. While the FIA approved the bid in October 2023, Formula One Management blocked it in January 2024. The project was later taken over by TWG Motorsports, led by Dan Towriss. Since then, Andretti has had no operational role in the F1 project but remains involved as an advisor and ambassador.

Born on 5 October 1962 in the United States, Michael Andretti comes from a true racing dynasty: his father Mario became F1 world champion in 1978, and his son Marco Andretti also competes in motorsport, finishing second in the 2006 Indy 500. The Andretti family is one of the most influential in American racing.

Michael Andretti is married to Jodi Ann Peterson. His net worth is estimated at around $40 million, earned through his career as a driver, his team principal role in multiple racing series, and various business ventures in motorsport.