Reigning Drivers' World Champions Andretti have been in Formula E from day one, and race one back in Beijing 2014.
Since then, both the team and the world's leading electric race series have come a long way, says Andretti Global CEO and Chairman Michael Andretti.
"Being there from day one, we've had a front-row seat to Formula E's evolution into the world-class racing series that it has become over the last 10 seasons," says Andretti. "Obviously, Formula E has grown from a commercial standpoint but in my opinion, the technological advancements from the cars we saw in that first season to where we are today [with GEN3, heading into GEN3 Evo next season] is where the series really shines.
READ MORE: Portland's biggest motorsport moments
"It's crazy to think we're already 10 seasons into our Formula E journey - it feels like we were just kicking off Season 1 back in 2014, in Beijing, with a podium on debut. We've learned so much since but seeing Jake [Dennis] take the Drivers' World Championship last season was a true testament to how far we've come as a competitor.
"It can be challenging to create true partnerships in today's motorsport climate but our relationship with Formula E has been one of mutual respect and growth from the beginning."
Andretti's best moments in Formula E, according to the boss:
- Becoming one of the 10 original teams to join Formula E in Season 1
- Taking part in the first-ever Formula E race in Season 1 in Beijing and finishing on the podium
- Our team’s first win in Diriyah at the opening round of Season 5
- Taking victory on home soil in the 2021 New York E-Prix
- Witnessing Jake Dennis’ Grand Slam victory in Season 9’s Rome race where he got pole, led every lap, won the race and earned the fastest lap
- Being there in London to witness Jake Dennis take the Driver’s World Championship at the Season 9 finale in London
'Formula E is in our DNA'
Andretti feels the team's competition in Formula E has driven its sustainability credentials, as well as providing a platform for competition on the world stage - it's at the core of what Andretti does on-track.
"Formula E has truly become part of who we are at Andretti," continues the team owner.
"Our Formula E involvement was one of the first steps in igniting the entire organisation's commitment to elevating sustainability efforts. As we've grown, it's been crucial for us to set new standards for ourselves, and Formula E has been a driving force in our mission to make a positive environmental impact within the motorsport community.
"Our Formula E venture was also our first real step toward our goal of becoming a global motorsport entity. It's a respected global series that has opened the door for our team and exposed us to so many new race markets, drivers, teams, potential partners - all in our time in Formula E."
On home soil
Andretti have won in the US before, as Maximilian Guenther took victory for BMW i Andretti Motorsport in New York in 2021.
Though not a trip to the top step, pole and a podium were the fruit last season on Formula E's sell-out first visit to Portland for Andretti, and Michael Andretti is hoping for another classic weekend's racing in front of a packed house.
“We love coming here," said Andretti. "It's a great part of the country to come and visit. There's a lot of great racing fans up here in this area."
Portland 1986: Andrettis make history
One of American open-wheel racing's most iconic moments took place during CART's 1986 Portland event. Racing legend Mario Andretti secured a victory over the competition by a mere 0.07 seconds — but in this case, the competition just so happened to be Mario's son, Michael.
Michael had secured a commanding lead of the event when his car began struggling to pick up fuel. On the final lap, his engine sputtered, and Mario was able to zip past his son at the line. His winning margin was only about two feet.
As you might imagine, it wasn't exactly a happy day for all the Andrettis; as Mario celebrated, a visibly hurt Michael declared that Mario's win should count as that year's Father's Day present. At the time, it was the closest finish in the sport.