F1 Rumour: Andretti Global To Buy VCARB As Helmut Marko Reignites Sale Speculation

Saajan Jogia | Apr 10, 2024

Oct 23, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Helmut Marko of Red Bull Racing Team holds up the World / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko might have reignited Andretti Cadillac's hopes of joining the Formula 1 grid after revealing that there is significant interest from various potential buyers regarding Red Bull junior team VCARB, also known as RB.

Key Takeaways:

• Helmut Marko's disclosure of significant interest in Red Bull's junior team, VCARB (RB), reignites hope for Andretti Cadillac's entry into Formula 1.
• Despite Red Bull's prior dismissal of rumors, Marko hints at a potential sale of VCARB, raising speculation of an Andretti purchase in the future.
• Andretti's bid, backed by General Motors, was rejected by Formula 1 due to concerns from existing teams about financial impacts, leading to continued interest in VCARB as a potential entry point for Andretti into Formula 1.

Last year, Red Bull dismissed rumors suggesting they were contemplating selling their junior team before rebranding it from AlphaTauri to Visa Cash App RB for the 2024 season. However, Marko has recently hinted at the possibility of a sale, revealing significant interest from multiple parties and raising hopes that Andretti could be one of them.

Despite receiving backing from the US automotive giant General Motors, who pledged to enter Formula 1 as a power unit manufacturer in 2028, the Andretti bid was ultimately rejected by Formula 1 despite being approved by the FIA, the sport's governing body.

In a bid to be Formula 1's eleventh team, Andretti faced opposition from existing teams
who were concerned about the potential financial ramifications of another team entering the revenue distribution equation. Eventually, the Formula One Management (FOM) decided to reject the bid.

Thus, the only way to compete in Formula 1 is to purchase an existing team, and Marko's statements about the potential sale of VCARB could be the only thing Andretti Cadillac might want to hear. However, it is worth noting that Andretti has continued with its plan to enter the sport in 2026 and pushes forward with the aim of joining the grid without purchasing another team. When Marko was asked by OE24 about rumors of VCARB being up for sale, he said:

“There are a lot of interested parties, but ultimately it’s a shareholder decision.

“The price is high for a team, but nothing has been decided yet.”

Since 2016, the Formula 1 grid hasn't accommodated 11 teams. The decision to reject Andretti's bid sparked considerable criticism towards Formula 1. However, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali maintained his stance, affirming his satisfaction that the proper process had been followed.