F1 News: Andretti Cadillac Only Team To Reach Final Approval From FIA As Bid To Join Grid Continues

Despite challenges, Andretti Cadillac is the sole team to move forward with FIA approval in its bid to join the Formula 1 grid, igniting discussions on team expansions.

Amid numerous bids to join the Formula 1 grid, only Andretti Cadillac secured final approval from the FIA, according to recent reports.

Key Takeaways:

• Of all the teams that applied, only Andretti Cadillac successfully navigated through to the final stage of the FIA's approval process.
• While Andretti made a move to acquire Sauber in 2021 which fell through, their commitment to entering F1 as an independent team remains unwavering.
• Current F1 teams are largely sceptical about new entrants due to concerns over prize money distribution, using the phrase "smaller piece of the pie" to articulate their reservations.

Several years back, Andretti's ambition to make its mark on the Formula 1 landscape was apparent when they attempted a takeover of Sauber. Despite the deal being close to fruition, last-minute shifts saw it crumble. This setback did not deter the US outfit, which has since been resolute in its intention to enter the grid on its own terms.

It's no secret that the existing teams in Formula 1 aren't particularly welcoming of newcomers. The root of their scepticism lies in the distribution of prize money. They argue that with the soaring value of the sport and its teams, new entrants should be paying more than the initially agreed $200 million stipulated in the Concorde Agreement.

The debate among fans is thriving, as many passionately argue for the inclusion of an 11th team. The Andretti group's drive to join, given the rapid evaluation changes in recent seasons, positions them as a focal point of these discussions.

Andretti's journey towards gaining approval hasn't been without its hurdles. Despite occasional doubts cast by Stefano Domenicali's interviews, recent indicators point towards Andretti nearing a consensus with Liberty Media. The FIA's acceptance, currently in the finalisation stages as reported by Motorsport-total, was always on the cards.

Andretti Press Image

However, the extent to which some members of Formula 1 were prepared to resist Andretti's entry was, for a time, ambiguous. Presently, it appears a dialogue for compromise is on the horizon.

Notably, teams such as Hitech and Carlin have faced rejection from the FIA. Their failures were foreseen, especially considering the tribulations Andretti encountered despite their collaboration with Cadillac.