Andretti is getting closer to joining Formula 1 as their bid with Cadillac has been approved by the FIA. However, the final decision is still pending from F1’s owners, and it may take several months for them to reach a conclusion.
Andretti, an American team, has been granted permission to join Formula 1 as the 11th team by the FIA. However, they still need approval from the owners of F1.
The FIA started accepting applications for new Formula 1 teams to join in 2025, 2026, or 2027.
Both the FIA and Formula 1 have a say on the matter as they control the commercial rights of the sport.
Andretti has submitted their application to the FIA, and Formula 1 will now review their candidacy.
F1’s standpoint will be focused on commercial aspects, according to Sky Sports.
The evaluation of Andretti’s application will take several months before a final decision is made on whether or not to approve it.
“We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application,” said F1 in a statement.
Formula 1 currently has 10 teams, with a maximum limit of 12 until 2025 as per the Concorde Agreement. This agreement governs the rules and regulations of the sport.
Michael Andretti, former American racing driver, is leading a bid with his team, in collaboration with Cadillac, to compete in various motor sports. Andretti has previously achieved success by winning the US CART championship and briefly racing in Formula 1 with McLaren in the 1990s.
Andretti’s legendary father Mario, who is also involved with the project, was F1 world champion in 1978.
In a statement welcoming the decision, Andretti said: “We appreciate the FIA’s rigorous, transparent and complete evaluation process and are incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to compete in such a historic and prestigious championship.
“The formation of this distinctly American team is an important moment of pride for all our employees and fans. We feel strongly that Andretti Cadillac’s deep racing competencies and the technological advancements that come from racing will benefit our customers while heightening enthusiasm for F1, globally.”
The FIA confirmed that four teams qualified for the second application process earlier this year. Andretti was the only team that met the strict criteria set by the FIA.
The criteria for evaluation included factors such as the team’s sporting and technical abilities, their financial capability to participate competitively in the championship, and their experience and resources.
Sustainability management was evaluated.
“The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure,” said FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport.
“The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the Expressions of Interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application would proceed to the next stage of the application process. In taking that decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with EU directives on motor sport participation and development.
“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission. I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.”
Andretti has wanted to add F1 to their motorsport collection for a while.
Andretti didn’t manage to buy the Alfa Romeo team in 2021. Instead, they joined forces with General Motors to apply for a spot on the grid as Andretti Cadillac Racing.
Andretti plans to operate from Indiana and partner with General Motors for their engines.
Andretti’s plan to be the 11th team in Formula 1 has not been well received by most existing teams and the sport itself.
Andretti defended his position in an interview with Forbes, stating that the negative response from certain teams was driven by “greed and self-interest” due to the potential decrease in their portion of the F1 prize pool with the addition of an 11th team.
How the new teams process is progressing
| Stage 1 | Expressions of Interest | COMPLETE |
| Stage 2 | Application, evaluation & approval | COMPLETE |
| Stage 3 | Successful applicant referred to F1 for comercial discussions |
World of sports 
Leave a comment