Andretti-Cadillac, which has just seen its plan to enter Formula 1 refused by Formula One Management, continues to work and prepare for a possible participation in F1 because it “strongly disapproves” the verdict given by the holder of the commercial rights to Formula 1.
F1 in fact declared this Wednesday that the request from Andretti Autosport, “should not be accepted”, although the FIA had previously opened the door to a possible arrival of the American team on the grid. The F1 press release details three points, raised by the review and which appear to concern the FOM, which led to this decision: the potential competitiveness of the team, its power partnership as well as the value that Andretti would bring to the championship.
In particular, F1 expressed concerns that Andretti wanted to enter 2025 with a car built to one set of rules, while designing a new car to completely different regulations in 2026, which F1 said “gives reason to question their understanding of the scale of the challenge involved”.
F1 also said that Andretti, who has acquired a track record and an unproven reputation in the world of motorsport, would face a challenge that she “has not competed in any other formula or discipline in which she has previously raced” et “would not be a competitive participant” with short-term engine supply.
The American team then reacted to the press release and hit back at F1’s assessment, declaring that it “strongly disapproves” the verdict of the FOM.
“Andretti Cadillac has reviewed the information shared by Formula One Management Limited and strongly disapproves of its content”indicates Andretti’s press release. “Andretti and Cadillac are two successful global motorsport organizations committed to building a true American team in F1 alongside the best teams in the world. »
Andretti plans to continue his work
The American group has already started a lot of work and has even had a single-seater model built in compliance with current regulations in a wind tunnel, as part of extensive work while awaiting its entry into F1.
He also hired a significant number of staff, including former Renault engineer Nick Chester as technical director. The fact that Andretti-Cadillac will continue its work clearly indicates that it does not consider the FOM’s refusal to be the end of the matter.
It is therefore possible that F1’s decision could be challenged. In any case, F1 has at least indicated that it “would consider differently” if Andretti presented a request for a 2028 entry with a General Motors engine, in reference to GM’s announcement last year that the American entity would build its own power unit for this entry.