While many spectators have been disappointed by Scuderia Ferrari’s lack of performance this year, Mario Andretti believes in the red team’s come back. The former racing driver raced for Ferrari in both sportscars and Formula 1 back in 1971. His deep love for the pransing horses prevail even decades later. The Italian also revealed who he has hopes in for the F1 2025 title battle.
Speaking to la Gazzetta dello Sport about the Championship, Andretti stated:
“Verstappen is very strong. I like Piastri for his attitude, but to me it seems like at McLaren, for some reason, I don’t know why, they’re favoring Lando Norris.”
Similarly to Andretti’s criticism, the papaya team have been scrutinized for their decision making in recent races. Team orders, slow pit stops, and the Norris-Piastri battles have had spectators question McLaren’s ability to be a top team. The team have been dominating this F1 season, already having secured the Constructors Championship. With Oscar Piastri leading the Championship fight, and Lando Norris close behind, the next few races will be crucial.
Losing faith in Vasseur
Additionally, the racing legend continued on to declare his support of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Welcoming him with open arms, if the Monegasque ever gets a change of heart.
“I really root for Leclerc. If he ever wanted to change teams I’d always sign him at Cadillac. Ferrari is Ferrari and sooner or later it’ll be back, always.” he revealed.
Charles Leclerc has the longest contract with Ferrari in F1 history. The racing driver currently lies 5th in the Driver’s Standings, having grabbed 173 points despite Ferrari’s lack of pace this year. With Leclerc pushing with everything he has, it is no wonder that Andretti backs him.
The motorsport icon appears to be predicting a Ferrari comeback in the future, as the legendary team scrambled to fight their way back to the top. In their pursuit of success Ferrari have made changes to their leadership in recent years. Team Principle Fred Vasseur took over in 2023 and signed a new multi-year deal in July of this year. However, the Frenchman has been largely criticized. His role at the Scuderia team has been called into question several times this year.
When asked if he has lost a bit of faith in Ferrari Team Principle, Fred Vasseur, Andretti simply responded:
“Yes.”
Tempted to drive
On another note, the racing legend still gets the urge to race, even at 85-years-old. The former driver spoke about his passion for racing, stating:
“I don’t know why, but I was born for the races. Nothing else interests me. The merit is my son Micheal’s, because to be honest I’ve never had a lot of interest in handling a team, truly because of the reason I was mentioning earlier. I was always only interested in driving and even now I would be tempted to drive.”
With a burning passion for race cars, Andretti’s interest still lies in the act of driving rather than only sticking to business.
