Andretti still open to F1 move

Two-time IndyCar race winner Marco Andretti says he would “definitely take a strong look at” racing in Formula One in the future, should an opportunity arise with Haas for instance.

The US squad is set to enter the sport next year and recently revealed that it has held talks with around 10 drivers. Given Haas’ strong technical partnership with Ferrari, the list includes Maranello test drivers Esteban Gutierrez and Jean Eric Vergne, but also Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg, former Marussia racer Max Chilton and US GP2 Series race winner Alexander Rossi.

Andretti is the latest driver to throw his hat in the ring, though the American star admits he is keen to keep racing stateside.

“It depends on a lot of the logistics, for sure,” the 28-year-old is quoted as saying by Autosport. “Formula 1 is still the cream of the crop to me.

“Having said that, it would be tough to leave because I feel like I'm just coming into my own as a driver.

“I think it took a little too long, but I feel I'm in a good place. I feel like we can compete anywhere we roll off. That's a good feeling.

“Formula 1 would be like starting over. The expectations wouldn't be high, maybe, with [Haas F1 Team]. If you can go beat your team-mate over there, that's what people look at.

“I would definitely take a strong look at it.”

Andretti has already sampled F1 machinery when testing for Honda at Jerez in December 2006, following of an impressive rookie campaign in IndyCar. The US driver then came back for a two-day session held at the same circuit in February 2007.

“The biggest difference for me was the braking, how quick the car stopped.

“Seven gears from the straightaway to a hairpin, you barely have time to downshift. As quick as you can click the paddle, the car stops from almost 200mph. That definitely took its toll on my neck.

“Here, the brakes are good, but the cars are heavier. Those [F1 cars] are definitely more agile and have a lot more grip.

“I ran a day in the wet. The grip in the wet that those cars have was just so much fun.

“I actually had to train my brain that the thing would stick because of the amount of speed it lets you carry. It was so much fun.”

“But my heart right now lies [in IndyCar]. Those cars are definitely fun, but this is what I've grown up doing.”

While naturally extremely popular on the US racing scene, the Andrettis also boast a successful history in F1. Indeed Marco’s grandfather Mario won 12 grands prix as well as the 1978 world championship driving with Lotus.

However, his father’s spell at the top echelon turned out to be rather short-lived. Partnering F1 legend Ayrton Senna at McLaren in 1993, Michael Andretti struggled to settle in, a fact that was compounded by his permanent commuting between Europe and the US.

Despite finally clinching a podium at the Italian Grand Prix, Andretti did not finish the season and was replaced by test driver Mika Hakkinen after Monza.

Click here for a lighter look at the Belgian Grand Prix, courtesy of F1i special contributor Eric Silbermann.

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