Mario Andretti recalls "double-edged sword" of sons Michael and Jeff following him into racing

Motorsports legend Mario Andretti was the first generation of racing drivers from the Andretti family, and began a dynasty of future talents to come. Michael Andretti, Jeff Andretti, and Marco Andretti have all raced at the top level. Mario recently came out and recalled how his son's following him into racing was a double-edged sword.

Mario Andretti arrived on the American open wheel racing scene in the 1960s, instantly making a big name for himself and winning the titles before the 70s. However, IndyCar (USAC) wasn't enough, and Mario went on to race in F1 and won the title in 1978.

The 85-year-old won it all, including the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500. But back in the day, racing wasn't as safe as it is today, with the risk of death or a serious injury just a small mistake away. Mario Andretti featured on the Circle Country YouTube channel and discussed all things racing.

The host questioned the F1 and IndyCar champion about how he felt when his sons, Jeff and Michael Andretti, followed in his footsteps. Mario Andretti called it a double-edged sword, detailing how he was proud to see his sons follow him, but sensed the risk related to it being their father.

“That's a double-edged sword. You know, you know that very well. But I mean, they were brought up in this environment. I figure it's a no-brainer. But Dee Ann , poor Dee Ann, you know, she said, "Oh, no. Now I got two more out there,” said Mario Andretti (16:10 onwards)

“And I didn't sympathize with her then because you know when you're on the track like if you're doing it yourself you almost feel like I have some control about, we're okay we know what we're doing. But when you're on the sidelines just after I come out of the cockpit and watching them go, it's a totally different story,” he added

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Mario Andretti shared a heartfelt message as his grandson, Marco Andretti, announced his retirement

Marco Andretti was the third generation of racing drivers from the Andretti family. Marco also followed in his father Michael and grandfather Mario's footsteps and raced in IndyCar. As the 2025 season ended, Marco announced his full-time retirement from the series.

Mario Andretti shared a video with a heartfelt message for his grandson.

“Marco, can you believe, 30 years in the business. Celebrations that I never thought I'd be around to share with you,” said Andretti. “Watching you was such a pride for me and everyone here in the Andretti household.”

Marco Andretti retired from his full-time IndyCar duties after 2020 and participated as a one-off entry for the Indy 500 for the following years. The 38-year-old detailed how focusing on business ventures and seeing her daughter grow will be his focus after retirement.