I'd give anything to be driver in current F1 - Andretti

Mario Andretti has counted himself out of the constant criticism of modern formula one. The F1 legend and 1978 world champion raced in the glorious era between the late 60s and the early 80s, but he stops short of saying it was F1's best period.

"There will always be those who say 'The old days were the best', the Italian-American, now 75, told the Spanish daily newspaper El Pais. "But I always prefer to look forward. The glorious days of F1 are now. I enjoy the great popularity around the world and the technology on the limit," he said.

"In those (earlier) years we saw some amazing icons and some great drivers, but I like how everything has progressed. I'd give anything to be 30 years younger and a driver now," Andretti added. He also said to talk down the 'heroes' of today's F1 grid is wrong. "The champions today would be champions in the other decades," said Andretti. "And vice versa. The only difference is that we had less safe circuits and cars."

However, Andretti also backs F1's planned next moves, possibly including bigger and grippier tyres and at least 1000 horse power. "Any driver will tell you that he wants more power," he said. "And the fans would love to see faster cars too -- fans are very important and we must not forget it. Now they are talking about making them (the cars) more difficult to handle and it would create interest and show up the drivers who have more talent," he added. (GMM)

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Date
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Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
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4 - Apr 6 2025
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11 - Apr 13 2025
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18 - Apr 20 2025
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24 - Oct 26 2025
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7 - Nov 9 2025
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21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
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Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
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23 - May 25 2025
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30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
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United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
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17 - Oct 19 2025
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7 - Nov 9 2025
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5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
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