Michael Andretti to take on ambassadorial and advisory role with the racing outfit he founded in 2002.

"Michael's goal has been to transition to a more strategic role with Andretti Global and focus less on the operational side of the race team," read a statement issued by Andretti Global.

"Michael and Dan Towriss have been working closely on developing this new structure," it continues, "one which Michael is excited to see take shape under Dan's guidance.

"Michael remains engaged and will continue to serve as a strategic advisor and key ambassador. We will have more to share in the coming weeks, after Michael and Dan have had an opportunity to speak to the team."

In 2018, Towriss and his Group 1001, "a collective that empowers companies to create positive growth", sponsored Zach Veach in the number 26 Andretti car, and in 2022 bought an ownership stake in Andretti Global as part of the move to enter F1.

The move comes at a time the US Department of Justice has launched an antitrust investigation into Liberty Media in a bid to discover if the rejection of Andretti entering the sport was legal.

"We've really been on the same page across the board, so it was an easy conversation," Towriss told the official IndyCar website last year when he was asked about the 2022 buy-in.

"I do think we brought it up first," he said of the move to become co-owner, "but he was very open to that. He was like, 'Of course', and he was very welcoming. So, we're partners in the truest sense.

"It's a very easy relationship, even on the hard days. There's just so much respect, and we'll talk about his perspective and my perspective.

"My strength is business, not racing, so I don't offer opinions on setups and drivers and tyre strategy, those kind of things. I'm very involved in the business side, and Michael and I talk multiple times a week.

"There's never a week that goes by that we don't speak on the phone. It's definitely a lot of collaboration back and forth. It's been fun; we've learned a lot from each other."

As Michael Andretti steps back, it is worth recalling that his father, the legendary Mario Andretti, claims that Liberty CEO, Greg Maffei once told him that he would do "everything in my power to see that Michael never enters F1", perhaps Towriss might be more acceptable.

It's believed that Towriss' investment in Andretti Global matches that of Andretti, though there are claims that it exceeds that of the team's founder.

LATEST NEWS

more news >

No related items for this article/feature

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 03/10/2024 0:46

"@ffracer... thanks for your kind response. Likewise I enjoyed your post re first hand knowledge of the Andretti 'famille' and their place in the world of motor racing in the US.. As the late great JJC said,' some like this and some like that and some just don't know where they're at '."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 02/10/2024 12:13

"I wonder what the backlash would be if Andretti bought out Haas, closed shop at Ferrari, and moved the whole thing back to the US? I bet the push back would be on par.

I think some of this has to do with not wanting GM to enter F1."

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by ffracer, 02/10/2024 2:02

"@Kenji: Brilliant post

@Editor: appreciate your candor and sharing... can only add that I have talked to many drivers who drove/drive for Andretti Autosport, and in various disciplines, and each stressed that they absolutely love the Andretti family (although son Marco is another story lol) for everything they do for each driver.... but that the sad reality of corporate eventually rears it's ugly head and Michael has to make a decision/change. Every Andretti team is top notch and top billing. Again, sad reality that hits everyone even Dale Coyne Racing (seems to stretch a pitiful budget like a miracle depicted in the bible).

Agreed with some knowledgeable posts that Michael Andretti is an extremely accomplished racer, deserving champion and incredibly successful team owner that doesn't deserve the stigma from that terrible 1993 F1 season (much wrong with that Ron Dennis edited season and being partnered with an "A Senna", incredible Mika Hakkinen exploits and famous quote aside lol)

I verily believe that the truth about the Andretti F1 bid difficulties will shock the F1 world and can only hope that Michael Andretti hasn't pulled back for health reasons. "

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

4. Posted by kenji, 30/09/2024 23:06

"@ ED... Thanks for the snippet? This whole mess needs to be exposed as I, along with myriads of others, would welcome one/possibly two new teams on the grid. The FIA/ bin Sulayem were totally forthright in their support for the Andretti bid and to some short time later do a 360Deg turn begs the question. IMO( Andretti should be judged on their status in the Racing world which embraces a great deal of success across various forms of competition.With some luck the US Gov't's inquiry will expose the truth...but I'm not overly convinced that that will happen. Liberty are a very powerful conglomerate. Message to Ed. If you feel the need to shed a few more 'snippets' without damage to your journalistic integrity then they would be most welcome."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

5. Posted by Editor, 30/09/2024 13:07

"I'm going to do something I absolutely hate doing and that is throw out a snippet of information and then shut-up shop.

In June I was contacted by someone who has had business dealings with Michael and now describes him as a "horrible partner”.

All I can say is that it centred around data exchange and intellectual property.

The person involved sent me reams of information and clearly has no intention of giving up.

I wonder if this is bubbling away in the background."

Rating: Positive (10) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

6. Posted by kenji, 30/09/2024 11:42

"There is quite obviously much more to this than what we've been drip fed over time. Maffei's comments would indicate a deep seated conflict and it's quite unusual to be spoken of so openly and in public! Couple that with the abrupt about face by bin Sulayem and you have the ingredients for a real pot boiler....maybe."

Rating: Positive (1) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

7. Posted by Ricardo_sanchez, 29/09/2024 21:50

"@moomoo - how has Michael Andretti’s team managed to get 200 race victories, including 5 wins at the Indy 500 if Andretti is merely a poser trading on his father’s name? He also racked up 42 Indycar wins, making him the 5th most successful driver ever to compete in the series. His ‘93 foray into F1 was obviously a debacle, but I don’t see why that negates his long & distinguished career in the sport.
"

Rating: Positive (12) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

8. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 29/09/2024 19:51

"I also wonder if this is a play to smooth out a road towards being on the grid by shoving Michael Andretti in a corner while a more business savvy individual tries it on."

Rating: Positive (3) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

9. Posted by moomoo, 29/09/2024 19:17

"@ Team Hack

I can't understand why, or how, anyone can imagine Michael and I stress MICHAEL, Andretti would be bringing anything meaningful to F1 anyway. I've always suspected he is merely a poser trading on his father's good name and goodwill. Clearly he still mopes off when things aren't to his liking, well identified by Mr Towriss. Michael is propped up by others."

Rating: Negative (-8) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

10. Posted by Editor, 29/09/2024 14:38

"@ Team Hack

It's not just about diluting the prize money pool, if there are only ten teams, and - as we are being told by Liberty et al - there are new entrants queueing up to enter F1 - this drives up the value of those ten existing teams should anyone want to buy one, such as Haas or Alpine."

Rating: Positive (7) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

11. Posted by Team Hack, 29/09/2024 14:31

"I still don't fully understand how Andretti can be blocked from entering F1.

Surely all the teams know (and have known for a while) that up to 12 teams can be accommodated within the rules and that their slice of the pie could reduce at some time in the future if another team joins in the fun.

The argument that the existing teams have supported F1 in the bad and good times is understandable but whose to say a new team would not be equally supportive over a period of time given the opportunity?

If the teams have the power of veto there is no need for the FIA to have a rule which allows new teams as it would not apply.

If they do not want an established International racing team with a huge history and one of the world's biggest car manufacturers as their partner then the teams will veto anybody as & when they feel like it.

It's Catch 22.

So what am I not getting?"

Rating: Positive (8) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

Michael Andretti steps back at Andretti Global

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page