Andretti still ramping up F1 plans despite FIA silence

Michael Andretti is moving ahead with his plans of fielding a team in Formula 1 in the future despite receiving zero feedback on candidacy plans from the FIA.

Last year, Andretti Autosport looked set to secure a majority interest in Sauber/Alfa Romeo only for the deal to blow up at the last hour at a meeting held during the US Grand Prix weekend.

But the botched deal did not discourage Andretti from pursuing his plans of joining the grid.

Since, Andretti Autosport has set its sights on establishing his own team rather buying into to an existing entity.

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As part of its plans, Andretti submitted to the FIA earlier this year its mandatory application by which motorsport's governing body must judge if a candidate seeking to join the elite holds the proper credentials and qualifies for a spot on F1's grid.

"We were hoping to know by now, and unfortunately, we don’t." Andretti told RACER. "But we’re hoping that it’s going to be soon, though.

"While we’re waiting, we’re doing a lot of work behind the scenes, we are preparing for it, because we have to start."

Andretti's F1 efforts have so far led to the US outfit securing an agreement in principle with engine supplier Renault, while it has also been looking at real estate in the UK where it wishes to establish its European base.

"So we are doing things, hoping that we get a shot at it. We have to start making some moves and hope and pray that the FIA allows us to have a shot at getting in there," said Andretti.

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