25 Mario Andretti Quotes by a Racing Legend

By Norbert Juma

Master quote curator and editor on a mission to inspire

Published August 13, 2023

If you are a fan of Mario Andretti, it would be a treat for you to browse through our list of Mario Andretti quotes.

In addition to our quotes section, we have also shared some information about Mario Andretti and key aspects associated with his life.

So, let’s dive in without any delay!

Who is Mario Andretti?

Mario Andretti is a name popular for speed, thrill, and success.

Andretti is among the few celebrated figures you can find in motorsports history.

His career spanned over five decades, which allowed him to make some amazing records.

Early Life

Mario Andretti was born on 28 February 1940 in Montana, Italy.

He was only 15 years old when he, along with his parents, moved to the United States.

This was the time when he gained interest in automotive and fell in love with racing.

Racing Career

Andretti is a skillful and versatile racing car driver.

He competed in a wide array of racing competitions, including:

Formula One
IndyCar
NASCAR

Besides, his accomplishments are also extensive.

A few of them are mentioned below:

Formula One World Champion (1978)
Indianapolis 500 Victory
12 Hours of Sebring Wins (1967, 1970, 1972, 1973)
Daytona 500 Victory (1967)

Mario Andretti’s Legacy

Mario Andretti has influenced the racing car drivers of his era, and his legacy continues to offer insight into this adventurous career.

He is considered among the best race car drivers in history.

We can easily see his impact in the following areas:

Inspiration to Future Generations
Adaptability and Versatility
Role as an Ambassador

Inspiration to Future Generations

The success of Andretti has served as an inspiration for a wide range of aspiring drivers.

Due to his passion for racing, new drivers seek the required motivation.

This allows them to pursue their racing dreams.

The unshakeable determination of Andretti continues to serve as a trailblazer for the upcoming talent.

Adaptability and Versatility

Andretti made good use of his ability to excel in multiple fields of racing disciplines.

Through adaptability and versatility, he successfully achieved his goals.

His achievements serve as a testament to Andretti’s unmatched skill and talent.

Role as an Ambassador

Andretti has also served as an ambassador for motorsports.

He continues to work with different organizations to promote motorsports and raise awareness about this type of sport.

With his insightful commentary and engaging personality, Andretti is quite popular among fans of car racing.

Top 5 Mario Andretti Quotes

Let’s check out the top Mario Andretti quotes first to know about his life.

1. “I look at myself as the luckiest man alive.” — Mario Andretti

2. “I still have the competitive spirit, which is good.” — Mario Andretti

3. “If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.” — Mario Andretti

4. “I always say that every win has something special.” — Mario Andretti

5. “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.” — Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti Quotes About Cars

Being a driver, Mario Andretti had a great experience with cars. These quotes show his views about cars.

6. “I’ve driven just about every kind of car there is.” — Mario Andretti

7. “The banked oval tracks are obsolete tracks for Indy cars.” — Mario Andretti

8. “You’re safer in the race car than you are in cars going to and from the track.” — Mario Andretti

9. “Quite honestly, I treat myself with cars I really want to drive, and I have some flexibility to do that.” — Mario Andretti

10. “When a car’s ahead of you, as long as you can see it, you get a tow, just like the draft in NASCAR. Even if it’s a long way down the track, it punches a hole in the air that has to help. When you’re running alone, you can feel the difference, and it shows on the clock, too.” — Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti Quotes About Racing

Andretti did racing and made his name in this sport. Here are some quotes that highlight his experience of racing and facts related to racing.

11. “When you start thinking you may get hurt, it’s time to get out of racing.”— Mario Andretti

12. “It makes great conversation to discuss what’s wrong with open-wheel racing today.” — Mario Andretti

13. “Motor racing is like one big family, ultimately, and when you come back to it, that’s really what it feels like.” — Mario Andretti

14. “If the Indy Racing League didn’t have the Indianapolis 500, do you think it would have lasted more than six months? No chance.” — Mario Andretti

15. “There’s something special about racing in real streets. The ‘artificial’ circuits have a certain sameness to them. But every race conducted on real streets has a character of its own – Barcelona, Monaco, and now Long Beach.” — Mario Andretti

In the following quotes, Mario praises other drivers as well and talks about his passion for becoming a driver.

16. “Unfortunately, we don’t educate drivers enough to be respectful on the road.” — Mario Andretti

17. “Every NASCAR driver watches Formula One in the morning; they are well informed.” — Mario Andretti

18. “I don’t remember as a kid wanting to do or be anything else but drive something, be a race driver.” — Mario Andretti

19. “Al Unser Sr. was one of the smartest drivers I’ve ever raced against. And I often said I wish I could’ve had some of his patience. I know it would have worked for me many times.” — Mario Andretti

20. “As far as I’m concerned, Parnelli Jones was the greatest driver of his era. He had aggressiveness and also a finesse that no one else possessed. And he won with everything he put his hands on, including off-road.” — Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti Quotes On Passion & Determination

Andretti is a determined person and always focuses on his goal. These quotes instruct you to face every challenge that comes in the way of your goal.

21. “If you’re so afraid of failure, you will never succeed. You have to take chances.” — Mario Andretti

22. “Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal.” — Mario Andretti

23. “I’ve always said, ‘I didn’t have a Plan B in life.’ I was in pursuit of my dream from the very beginning. It’s all about desire and passion. At all costs.” — Mario Andretti

24. “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” — Mario Andretti

25. “Do it no matter what. If you believe in it, it is something very honorable. If somebody around you or your family does not understand it, then that’s their problem. But if you do have a passion, an honest passion, just do it.” — Mario Andretti