F1 News: FIA Officially Approves Andretti Cadillac To Join Formula One Grid

FIA’s approval propels Andretti Cadillac closer to the F1 grid, marking a significant potential development in the sport despite existing teams' reservations.

The FIA has officially approved Michael Andretti’s endeavour to introduce Andretti Cadillac as the 11th team on the Formula One grid. Progressing to the subsequent phase, Andretti Formula Racing LLC now embarks on commercial discussions, marking a potentially transformative moment in F1 racing.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Andretti’s Andretti Formula Racing LLC has been given the nod by the FIA to move to the next stage of the application process, signalling a likely expansion of the F1 grid by adding an American team under the Cadillac brand.
• Though the FIA has given its approval, stating Andretti’s application as the only one fulfilling all material selection criteria, the final assent is pending commercial discussions with Formula One Management and compliance with EU directives regarding motorsport participation and development.
• With Renault-owned Alpine expressing their willingness to supply engines should the team gain ultimate approval, and an investment in at least one U.S. driver, the inclusion of Andretti Cadillac is positioned to be a substantial addition to the grid despite existing teams’ skepticism about grid expansion and the $200-million entry fee.

Initiated in February, the FIA’s formal application process sought to identify new teams willing to join the grid in 2025, 2026, or 2027. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed:

"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." 

He asserted that the decision adheres to EU directives concerning motorsport participation and development and commended Michael Andretti and his team for their comprehensive submission, highlighting that "Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects."

Andretti, flanked by Andretti Global and General Motors, had earlier in January announced their intention to compete under the Cadillac brand, promising to employ at least one U.S. driver, offering a potential boost to the F1 franchise with an infusion of American influence and participation. Meanwhile, Liberty Media-owned Formula One will conduct an independent assessment, adding another layer of scrutiny to the application.

Despite this forward motion, the path is not devoid of challenges. Existing F1 teams have demonstrated restrained enthusiasm toward enlarging the grid, harbouring concerns about potential dilution of revenue shares and questioning the adequacy of the current $200-million entry fee, which would be distributed among the current teams as compensation. 

Andretti Press Image