Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has criticised Michael Andretti’s 'unconstructive' comments over his difficulties in registering his proposed Formula 1 entry.
Andretti’s father Mario revealed in February that 'Andretti Global' had applied to the FIA for a F1 entry from the 2024 season, claiming that the prospective squad, which would be led by Michael, "has the resources and checks every box".
However, reaction to the proposed Andretti entry from elsewhere in the paddock has been mixed, as an 11th team would eat into the prize money currently shared between the 10 existing outfits.
Michael Andretti aired his frustrations with F1's establishment in an interview earlier this month with GQ, in which he referred to the sport as "snobbish" and a "European club" that sees outsiders as a "threat.
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Steiner: Andretti comments "not constructive"
Speaking to media including RacingNews365.com, Steiner said he was confused by Andretti's comments, and termed them as unconstructive.
"I don’t know what he’s trying to achieve with these comments but that's down to Michael," Steiner explained.
"It’s not really our decision to give him a licence or not. We have got an opinion, but I don't think we can decide that one.
"We don't know what he presented. I shouldn't speak for other people – I don't know what he presented to FIA and FOM, so I have no idea.
"Obviously, in my opinion, these comments, they're not constructive, or taking [things] forward, but you live by your choices."
Despite uncertainty over the feasibility of the project, Mario Andretti told RacingNews365.com earlier this year that the proposed operation would be based in England, with additional plans to set up Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams under the Andretti banner going forward.
Mario also stated that a deal had been agreed for the new team to run Renault power units, and insisted that the group's partners, personnel and expertise were of the standard required for F1.
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