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."
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.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Lewis Hamilton has put departing Red Bull designer Adrian Newey at the top of his…
Nico Hulkenberg says Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl was the “driving factor” behind his decision to…
Honda says it hopes to continue supporting its protégé Yuki Tsunoda despite its departure from…
The news of Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull has cast a shadow of uncertainty…
On this day in 1976, Tyrrell's radical six-wheel Tyrrell P34 made its race debut at…
A significant development has emerged in the ongoing saga surrounding Andretti Global's bid to enter…