Andretti to tick McLaren F1 drive at Austin off bucket list!

F1 legend Mario Andretti is set to saddle a modern McLaren F1 car ahead of this year's US Grand Prix at Austin, according to McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown.

Andretti attended last weekend's inaugural Miami Grand Prix and happened to be standing alongside Brown and fellow motorsport icon Emerson Fittipaldi during Martin Brundle's grid-walk.

The Sky F1 commentator asked Andretti - who at 82 still thrills guests onboard IndyCar's two-seater -if he could handle a modern-day Grand Prix contender. Unsurprisingly, the 1978 F1 world champion replied that he would be game.

"I’d get in one if they’d allow me," he said. "It’s been on my bucket-list for quite a while before I get too old, so I can step over the cockpit."

Read also: Andretti says FIA indicating 'support' for F1 entry process

Brundle then put Brown on the spot, and the McLaren boss whipped up an offer.

"Well, I’ve always wanted Mario Andretti to drive for me, so you know what? I think we’ll give it a go in Austin," said Brown, in front of a beaming Super Mario

"But we’ll have to figure out some sort of bet, because that’s what I do with my drivers."

Earlier this week, Brown confirmed the impromptu deal on social media.

"Struck a deal with Mario to tick something off his bucket list – he'll be driving a previous @McLarenF1 race car at this year's US GP in Austin," tweeted Brown.

Next October's outing at the Circuit of the Americas will be Andretti's first time onboard a McLaren F1 car, having never raced for the team during his time as Grand Prix driver.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.