Mario Andretti Representatives Insist Former F1 Champion Has Been Hacked After Donald Trump Tweets

Famed American race car driver Mario Andretti’s X (formerly Twitter) account was compromised last Friday evening, with his representatives confirming the breach the following day.

The compromised account engaged with several right-leaning Twitter profiles, including an account named ‘Donald Trump News’ and an Ivanka Trump parody account. Among the controversial now-deleted tweets was a “Yes” in reply to a question asking if pride flags and illegal immigrants should be banned from schools and churches, and another affirmative response to whether the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump. These actions are notably out of character for the 1978 Formula 1 World Champion, whose public engagements and statements have historically been apolitical and focused on the sporting and business aspects of racing.

Recognizing the discrepancy, Andretti’s team acted swiftly. “Mario’s account has been compromised. We’re working on it,” confirmed his representatives, as reported by GP Fans, as they reached out to platforms to control the damage and began efforts to secure his account. Meanwhile, the offensive tweets were promptly deleted once the hacking was realized.

The breach drew considerable backlash from the X community, raising concerns about Andretti’s reputation and his suitability for future roles. Speculation abounded particularly around his potential involvement with a new Formula 1 team entry, with fans and critics alike weighing in.

Despite the hack, it’s important to remember Mario Andretti’s recent history of advocacy for diversity and inclusion. At the 2022 Indianapolis 500, driver Romain Grosjean’s race car, managed under Andretti Global, proudly displayed a pride rainbow on its sidepods. Michael Andretti, Mario’s son and head of Andretti Global, explained, as quoted in the same report from GP Fans:

“We’re really proud to stand with DHL and once again bring the Delivered with Pride message to the racetrack.

“The month of May is the perfect stage to promote diversity and help build a culture of inclusion. We look forward to seeing the DHL Pride livery on track during this week’s test days and again through the Indy 500.”

Andretti Global is continuing with its push to join the Formula One grid. After receiving approval from the FIA in October 2023, the American team’s bid was ultimately rejected by Formula One Management in January with the note that they might be reconsidered in 2028. Mario Andretti explained at the time, as quoted by NBC Sports:

“I was offended, actually. I don’t think we deserved that, to be honest with you.

“All they have to do is look back and we didn’t just talk about, ‘We’re going to do this and that.’ We’re doing it, and it shows proper commitment.

“What else do you want? It’s a big investment in the series, and you’d think they would welcome that. Even the value of the series is more valuable with 11 teams than 10, so I don’t know.

“Tell us what is really wrong.

“That’s another offensive statement there. How are you going to take them? We’re the ones that worked it out, and GM said it over and over, ‘Andretti or nothing,’ and then they still tried to take it.

“I don’t know. There’s an undercurrent there that I don’t understand quite honestly.

“But if they want blood, well, I’m ready.”