F1 News: Andretti Reveals Huge Development Progress Amid Formula One Entry Bid
Michael Andretti, leader of the prospective F1 team Andretti, disclosed significant strides in their Formula 1 entry endeavour after securing FIA endorsement. Despite facing opposition from some of the current F1 teams, Andretti remains confident and committed to their bid.
Key Takeaways:
- Andretti was recently green-lit by FIA to be the potential 11th F1 team, but consensus from existing teams and FOM remains pending.
- Current team principals oppose Andretti's entry, doubting the added value they'd contribute to the sport versus the revenue they'd draw.
- Andretti is focused on a 2025 F1 debut and has even prepared a car conforming to 2023 regulations for wind-tunnel testing.
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Michael Andretti expressed bewilderment at the opposition his team faces from current Formula 1 squads. Earlier this month, the sport's governing body, FIA, approved Andretti as a prospective new addition to the F1 grid. However, securing consensus from the current teams and FOM, who control F1's commercial rights, remains a hurdle.
The root of the opposition seems to be financial concerns. Current teams question whether the American team would inject enough fresh value into the sport to offset the slice of revenue they'd claim. Addressing this, Andretti remarked during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin:
"They say we're slicing the pie, but hopefully we bring in more than we're taking away. We really believe that."
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Andretti thanked the FIA for their support, highlighting the rigorous scrutiny their team underwent.
"We came out on top in every category. We have the right to be here on the grid, and we think we have something really to offer to Formula 1 fans."
In light of the Concorde Agreement capping F1 teams at twelve until 2025, the FIA is keen on welcoming at least one more team. Andretti, the former US CART champion with an F1 stint with McLaren in the '90s, is championing this bid, joining hands with Cadillac, a General Motors brand.
Andretti's ambitious plans are evident. They're targeting a 2025 F1 entry and have even prepared a 2023-spec car for wind-tunnel testing. Andretti mentioned:
"Our car is actually going to be in a wind tunnel next week. We're building a team. At the moment it's 2025, could be 2026, but we'll see."
Michael's legendary father, Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, is also part of this venture. Sharing the family's racing passion, he said:
"Motor racing has been our life. Formula 1 is the Olympics of motorsport, so that's where we want to be."
