Formula 1 bosses have rejected plans by Andretti Autosport, backed by General Motors (GM), to enter the game in 2025 – however have left it as a risk for the 2028 season.
Racing big Andretti Autosport, which runs groups in Indycar and Formula E amongst different classes, had introduced a bid to enter F1 in a partnership with GM’s Cadillac model final yr. The Andretti Cadillac squad needed to enter the game in 2025 utilizing buyer energy models whereas GM developed the aptitude to construct its personal models.
Those plans have been authorized by the FIA, world motorsport’s governing physique, late final yr, however additionally they required the backing of Formula 1 proprietor Liberty Media, which controls the business rights to the championship.
F1 chiefs have launched a prolonged assertion outlining why they don’t imagine Andretti Cadillac justifies a spot on the grid from 2025. They say their discovering have been primarily based on the possible competitiveness of the entry, its business and logistical affect and its future energy unit provide preparations.
The assertion famous that “the presence of an 11th team would not, in and of itself, provide value to the championship”. It famous that probably the most important method for a brand new entrant so as to add worth was by being aggressive however added “most of the attempts to establish a new constructor in the last several decades have not been successful”.
The assertion additionally stated: “While the Andretti name carries some recognition for F1 fans, our research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around.”
F1 chiefs did notice that having GM present energy models would add business worth, but in addition highlighted that this was offset by Andretti’s plans to make use of buyer engines whereas GM ramped up its programme, and {that a} new powertrain constructor would face a steep problem to be aggressive – particularly with a brand new technical package deal as a result of be launched in 2026.
The assertion highlighted challenges and additional prices an eleventh staff may trigger for race promoters and concluded that the bid “would not add value to the championship” and subsequently “should not be successful”.
Despite that blow, F1 chiefs didn’t shut the door totally on Andretti Cadillac – suggesting it may revisit forward of the 2028 season. The assertion stated: “We would look differently on an application for the entry of a team into the 2028 Championship with a GM power unit, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all allowable components in-house.”
How Andretti gained FIA backing
While the Andretti bid has been rejected by F1 bosses, it has beforehand been authorized by the FIA, which has lengthy been eager to broaden the grid of the top-flight class.