Formula One legend Mario Andretti has criticized Toto Wolff for downplaying the contribution an Andretti team could make to the category.

Mario's son Michael - who raced for McLaren in 1993 and now runs an established car empire in the United States - is trying to convince Liberty, the FIA and the existing teams to approve his entry into F1.

However, the Mercedes boss has made no secret of his opposition, insisting that an 11th team simply means "a 10% dilution for all the others."

According to the 1978 world champion, who spoke directly with Wolff on the subject at the Miami GP, the Austrian is being grossly arrogant.

"Toto Wolff has spoken very openly about our credibility," Andretti told . "However, he speaks to me in a different way."

"I find the public criticism quite disrespectful because we have been active in motorsport for much longer than he has. I respect his success so far, but he has no reason to belittle us."

He particularly responded to Wolff's suggestion that the Andretti group has yet to prove its seriousness in pursuing success in F1.

"The FIA is very open with us and we have met all the requirements. Now we are waiting for them to tell us how much we have to pay for the teams to let us in."

"We know it is in the range of $200 million. Maybe they want more, but we are still waiting for the feedback. To me, it's a bit excessive. It would be different with Bernie (Ecclestone). Liberty gives too much power to the teams.

In any case, Andretti's preparations continue behind the scenes, including plans for transit between U.S. and British headquarters, an engine deal with Renault, and Colton Herta as the North American driver.

"They always ask us how competitive we want to be," Andretti added, criticizing those who question whether the group deserves a spot in F1.

"I say 'let that be our problem!' You don't know our preparation. We don't need to hire new people - we have absolutely experienced people who have the necessary knowledge."

"On the financial side, we have reliable partners who are aware of the size of the project. We have been planning our program for a long time because that is all we want. We deserve more respect."