Hamilton and Verstappen praised by Andretti after F1 driver line-up declaration

With Andretti looking for an experienced driver, Hamilton and Verstappen have been showered in praise

Matthew Hobkinson Lead Editor

F1 Editor & Journalist

Wednesday 25 October 2023 13:57

Mario Andretti has heaped praise on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, after his son, Michael Andretti, revealed that the team are looking for 'an experienced driver' to fill one of their two seats in the sport.

Andretti received approval from the FIA earlier this month to become the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid.

And although commercial terms still need to be agreed with the FOM before they are officially racing alongside the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari, plans are in the works for a possible driver line-up.

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Michael Andretti revealed at last weekend's United States Grand Prix that they are looking to bring in an 'experienced driver' for one of their two slots.

The FIA have given their blessing for Andretti to join the F1 grid

Michael Andretti is preparing for his team to join the F1 grid

And Mario Andretti has shared his admiration of both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

And Michael's father, Mario, the 1978 F1 world champion who is also involved with the project, heaped praise on two of the most experienced drivers on the grid in Verstappen and Hamilton.

Andretti praises Verstappen and Hamilton

“Fantastic, phenomenal," Andretti told Sky Sports when asked for his thoughts on Verstappen this season.

Verstappen and Hamilton have been long-term rivals in F1

"Talent like that comes around once in a generation if you will, we all know that. He’s made a difference in the team and again, good for him."

"But it’s great to see Lewis right there," he added. "I’ve seen some new energy in Lewis the last few races. I loved that move at the start [in Qatar], even though it didn’t work out, but I just love that because he was really going for it.

"So that’s what we have here. Lewis is not done, by any means and then we have McLaren. Some of those youngsters there [Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris] that are actually showing that they’re annoying and that’s a beautiful thing as well.”