Marco Andretti: Still hopeful for F-1
"Hell, yeah," he said Friday of his interest in and pursuit of a ride with the new U.S.-based team, Haas F1.
Andretti said he first met with team officials at last year's F-1 race in Austin, Texas, and has had contact with them since. He doesn't know what his odds are.
"I don't even know if I'm eligible for a license based on the (new) points system," he said.
A driver must have accrued at least 40 points over the past three seasons to be eligible for a super license. Currently, only 28 drivers worldwide have that many, and only four of those drivers are in IndyCar (Scott Dixon, Will Power, Helio Castroneves and Ryan Hunter-Reay). There has been talk of modifying the guidelines for 2016.
Andretti, 28, has had two F-1 tests with Honda at the Jerez circuit in Spain. Andretti's grandfather, Mario, won the 1978 F-1 championship with Lotus while his father, Michael, ran as Ayrton Senna's teammate in 1993.
Michael said his son hasn't received an offer from any F-1 team, and he expects him to return to Andretti Autosport next season. Both men have said they're close to negotiating a new contract.
Andretti has won two IndyCar races and four poles in 166 starts, all with Andretti Autosport. IndyStar