Las Vegas – Mario Andretti is one of only two American drivers to win the Formula 1 World Championship, and the last to do so in 1978.
During the 1978 season, F1 held two Grand Prix races in the United States. The first was held earlier this year in Long Beach, California, and the second in Watkins Glen, New York.
The United States then withdrew from the F1 calendar completely, eventually finding a home at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
This weekend, race fans flocked to Las Vegas for the third US event of the year, marking a huge turnaround in F1's popularity. of las vegas strip It has turned into an epic street race filled with glitz and glamor not seen on any other schedule.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Former IndyCar Series driver Mario Andretti reacts before the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 28, 2023. (Mark J. Revillas/USA Today Sports)
For Andretti, it's music to his ears.
“When I hear the word 'growth' to me, it's like music to my ears,” the horse racing legend said in an interview on FOX News Digital. “Because of course it's no secret how much I love F1 and what it has meant to me over the years and still does. I think it's great to see it capture that kind of imagination. I mean, it started with “COTA in Austin, with that investment and that facility that made it future-proof.'' .
“Then, of course, Miami came along and now they're investing in Las Vegas. The way the city has embraced this event is incredible. I was just there, and since last year I've seen the scale of construction and… Even when you look at everything that’s going on.’ And of course there’s that in the paddock.
“It's not something you tear down after the event. It's a long-term commitment. We've had good promotion, promotion, promotion because there's so much interest. It's a beautiful thing to see. But the way Las Vegas is hosting this event is amazing. ”. ”
The big difference between last year's race and this year's race in terms of the grid is the lack of American drivers.
Spanish Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz passes by the Sphere during a practice session for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Las Vegas, Thursday, November 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Scutelli)
After a series of struggles at Williams Racing, up-and-coming Franco Colapinto was appointed to replace Logan Sargent.
Andretti said F1 doesn't necessarily need to have an American driver in the field, or even another American constructor, for it to be popular in America, but that's not a bad thing. spoke.
McLaren's Zak Brown talks about the mentality in the close race for the F1 Constructors' Championship
“It doesn't have to be that way, but I don't think there's any harm in more direct U.S. involvement,” he said. “I know Haas has a team, but the important thing is that the driver is more important than the team. But I think another American manufacturer and things like that will only increase the interest even more. ”
“To be honest, Formula 1 is an international sport, but when it's in your country, (for example) in Italy, Ferrari gets a lot of attention. And when you're in America, you see it. I'd like to see a Cadillac.”
Williams driver Logan Sargent addresses the media ahead of the Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome on May 2, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (John David Mercer/USA Today Sports)
Rumors are circulating that General Motors will be vying for a team in F1, which would add two more drivers to the 20-racer field.
Andretti Global is inching closer to the finish line in that regard after Michael Andretti's role within the company was reduced. Michael is Mario's son.
Things seemed to change when Dan Toweris became Andretti Global's majority owner.
So how close are we to a new American-based F1 team joining the sport?
“Well, it's a work in progress, there's no question about that,” Mario Andretti said. “I have good reason to feel very optimistic about that.”
McLaren could be on the brink of a first constructors' championship since 1998, as the team decides what to do over the next few years.
“I love it,” Andretti said. “I raced with Bruce McLaren a long time ago and I’m envious of what McLaren as a brand has achieved in F1. I can see you coming back hand in hand We're playing against players who can win on both sides.'' He deserves credit for winning the constructors' championship and for bringing (team principal) Andrea Stella into the team management, all those great things. I think so.
Mario Andretti looks out on the track during Fast Friday before the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 17, 2024. (Gary Mook/IndyStar/USA Today Network)
“You see it's all about putting everything together. I don't know anyone who loves this sport more than Zac Brown himself. He's so passionate and it's really great to see his success. That’s it.”
Red Bull's Max Verstappen could win the drivers' championship for the fourth consecutive year if he finishes ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris or if Norris fails to score points like he did in Las Vegas last year .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Andretti said Verstappen has the ability to pull it off.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
