Image: Andretti
Nick Chester, the Technical Director of the Andretti Formula 1 team, recently took part in an exclusive interview. Chester has extensive experience in Formula 1, having worked in the industry for several decades. He began his career with Simtek in the mid-90s, and went on to work with teams such as Arrows, Benneton, Renault, Lotus, and again Renault. During his time at Renault, he played a crucial role in Fernando Alonso’s consecutive championship wins. In 2013, he became the team’s Technical Director and held the position until 2020. After leaving Renault, Chester joined the Mercedes Formula E team as Technical Director. However, he left the team in February 2023 following its acquisition by McLaren.
Currently, Chester serves as the Technical Director of Andretti’s Formula 1 project. The team is committed to joining the Formula 1 grid in 2026 and has recently expanded to a new facility in Silverstone, United Kingdom. While the Silverstone location serves as the main hub for Andretti’s Formula 1 operations, Chester emphasizes that the team is a global effort. Collaboration is underway with the General Motors side of the project, as well as with the new Andretti location in Indianapolis.
Michael Andretti, the founder of the Andretti team, proposed a vision to expand the group to Formula 2 and 3, which are recognized as feeder categories by the FIA. Chester explains that this expansion aims not only to develop driving talent, but also to nurture talent behind the scenes and in the garage. Andretti believes that having feeder series is an excellent way to bring drivers into Formula 1 and provide opportunities for engineers to gain experience in various categories of motorsport, including Formula E, Indy, IMSA, and now Formula 2 and 3.
Expanding the Andretti project in Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3 requires a dedicated team. There is already a team in place at the new Andretti facility, and the plan is to continue recruiting intensively as they strive to enter the Formula 1 grid in 2026. With 80 team members in the UK and 50 working on the project at General Motors, Andretti’s work is progressing rapidly. Every week, new team members join the project, and the team is determined to achieve their goal of putting a car on the grid in 2026.
The team has been actively involved in the project, with various members, such as the aerodynamics and performance team, working hard to create prototypes and make preparations for the upcoming 2026 season. They have already conducted crash tests on the nose cone and plan to crash a V2 nose cone in the near future. Additionally, they are in the process of building a section of the chassis for lateral homologation testing. This year, they aim to develop a complete prototype chassis, covering everything from the front panel to the rear panel. The team is diligently working on the driver layout, including pedals and columns, as well as conducting tests on the halo. Their goal is to establish the structural integrity of the key components of the car, ensuring they are well refined for the ’26 season.
The team’s goal to enter the F1 circuit in 2026 is aligned with the upcoming changes in regulations, which will introduce new power units with a greater focus on electrification. This change has raised concerns among current teams regarding energy conservation and the inclusion of movable aerodynamics. However, Andretti is not worried about these challenges. Chester explains that drag targets have been adjusted, making them more achievable. The team is focused on working within the existing framework to deliver the best possible car for the ’26 season. They believe that all teams are facing the same regulations and their main goal is to create a competitive car within these parameters.
Despite facing obstacles, Andretti remains committed to their F1 plans. The team is diligently working at their new location in Silverstone, surrounded by iconic images of Michael and Mario Andretti’s racing achievements. While it is no secret that F1 initially rejected Andretti’s proposal to join the 2026 grid, the team continues to move forward as if their entry had been granted. Although Chester cannot disclose any ongoing dialogue with F1, the work being done in Silverstone demonstrates Andretti’s determination to prove themselves as a worthy and fully prepared addition to the pinnacle of motorsport.
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Exciting events in the world of sports are getting fans excited. With plenty of adrenaline and fierce competition, athletes are giving their all to achieve victory. And it was no different in the last game between football teams X and Y.
In yesterday’s game, the teams showed an incredible performance. The players demonstrated exceptional skills and provided exciting moments for the fans. The match was full of amazing plays, surprising goals, and strategic moves.
The star player of team X showed why he is considered one of the best in the world. With his speed and precision, he scored two impressive goals, leading the team to victory. Fans were ecstatic with the player’s performance and cheered at every play.
However, team Y did not back down. With a solid defense and a strategic offense, they gave the opposing team a hard time. Team Y’s goalkeeper made incredible saves, preventing team X from widening the score. Team Y’s players also showed talent and determination throughout the match.
The game was marked by a healthy rivalry between the teams. The players gave their all, showing true sportsmanship. Fans also contributed to the atmosphere of excitement, singing and cheering for their teams from start to finish.
In the end, team X emerged victorious, but both teams deserve recognition for the effort and dedication shown. Fans are looking forward to the next games, hoping for more exciting moments and incredible plays.
Sports have the power to bring people together and provide unforgettable moments. Games like this show the passion and talent of the athletes, as well as involve the fans in an atmosphere of emotion and joy. May there be more exciting games and may the athletes continue to inspire us with their determination and talent.
