WATCH: Throwback to 2022 when Mario Andretti driving the McLaren MP4/28a at Laguna Seca

In 2022 Mario Andretti, the legendary American driver, fulfilled a long-standing joke with McLaren CEO Zak Brown by taking a modern Formula 1 car for a spin at the age of 82. On a Saturday that will undoubtedly be remembered in the annals of motorsport history, Andretti climbed back into the cockpit at Laguna Seca, where he experienced the thrill of driving a 2013 McLaren MP4/28a.

This remarkable event was more than just a joyride; it culminated in years of playful banter between Andretti and Brown. The opportunity arose after an on-air discussion during the 2022 Miami Grand Prix, leading to Andretti’s return to Laguna Seca—the site of his final IndyCar race in 1994. For Andretti, this was a chance to feel once again the exhilaration of an F1 car, something that had been on his bucket list for years.

Here is the video:

82 year old, Mario Andretti driving the McLaren MP4/28a at Laguna Seca#F1 pic.twitter.com/mqprEm4wWx

— F1 History (@TodayF1History) August 15, 2024

After the session, Andretti reflected on the experience with a mix of satisfaction and his characteristic humility. "My bucket list is pretty much satisfied," he remarked. However, in typical Andretti fashion, he couldn’t help but critique his performance.

"It's sweet but I left a lot on the table," he noted, explaining that challenges with his helmet and visibility of the downshift numbers affected his driving. Yet, despite these minor setbacks, Andretti expressed immense satisfaction with the experience, describing the car’s performance as "sweet" and "satisfying."

Mario Andretti’s motorsport career

Andretti’s return to the track is a fitting tribute to his incredible career. His F1 tenure, from 1968 to 1982, saw him win 12 races and secure the 1978 world championship. Beyond F1, Andretti’s impact on motorsport is undeniable, with four IndyCar championships and a legacy that continues through his son, Michael Andretti, and Andretti Autosport.

Notably, Michael Andretti is looking for opportunities to launch a new Formula 1 team for the upcoming season. There is a tussle going on between F1 and the Andretti group which has led to some significant investigations in the United States.