The world of Formula One finds itself without an American driver once again. Last season, Alexander Rossi had the honor of being Formula One’s only American driver on the grid, but he wasn’t able to renew his contract with Manor for this season. He now finds himself out of Formula One, but by no means about of motorsport.
Rossi will be making the transition to the Verizon IndyCar series for the 2016 motorsport season. Although the goal was to advance within Formula One, Rossi had stated to the press earlier in the winter that it was vital for him to race somewhere in 2016, rather than taking a year of absence. He will be driving the number 98 Honda for Andretti Autosport.
“I’m very much looking forward to making my IndyCar Series debut this season and am proud to be racing with a team of such high calibre and pedigree as that of Andretti Autosport,” said Rossi. “As a racer through and through, I cannot wait to get started; our goal is to be competitive immediately at the first race in St. Petersburg.”
Making the move to an American based racing series could greatly improve his Formula One potential. He could gain a lot of interest from American sponsors, which could help him secure a Formula One seat in 2017. Sponsorship is more important than ever in today’s Formula One, so earning the support of companies is vital to Rossi’s motorsport success.
Andretti Autosport is the home of the last three American Formula One drivers. Michael Andretti, the son of the legendary Mario Andretti, competed in Formula One in 1993. This was only one stop during his racing career, which spanned a remarkable 26 years. Scott Speed worked with Red Bull and Toro Rosso for a three year period that ended in 2007. Speed was the last Formula One driver until Rossi arrived on the grid part way through the 2015 season. Rossi completes Andretti Autosport’s collection of American Formula One drivers.
“We’re really excited to have Alexander join the team,” said Andretti Autosport CEO Michael Andretti. “His credentials speak for his ability and we’re confident he’ll transition seamlessly into IndyCar racing. It’s neat to have the last three American F1 drivers in 25 years to be under one roof, I think it speaks to the level of talent we have.”
