FIA approves Andrett’s F1 bid

The FIA, the governing body of motorsport, has granted approval to the US-based Andretti team’s endeavor to enter Formula 1 under the General Motors’ Cadillac brand. Andretti Formula Racing emerged as the sole team approved by the FIA from a pool of four candidates who advanced to the second phase of the new team evaluation process.

The other contenders did not meet the requisite criteria, leading to their exclusion. However, Andretti-Cadillac’s bid will now undergo a commercial evaluation by Formula 1’s rights holders. Their entry will only be sanctioned if it is deemed to contribute value to the overall championship.

The duration of this assessment remains undefined and may span several months, although widespread expectations suggest that Formula 1 is likely to decline Andretti’s bid. The FIA’s evaluation process encompassed sporting, technical, and financial aspects.

President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the FIA’s commitment to rigorous criteria for entry, aiming to approve prospective entries that enhance the sport. Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity that met the selection criteria in all material respects.

While the identities of the other teams evaluated in the second phase were not disclosed by the FIA, they are well-known within the sport. The final four candidates included Andretti, a partnership involving New Zealand’s Ronin Cars and the Carlin racing organization, junior category race team Hitech, and an Asian collaboration known as Lucky Suns. Earlier stages had ruled out Formula Eagle, led by former BAR team boss Craig Pollock, and Pantera Team Asia.

Formula 1, in response to the FIA’s conclusions, noted that it would conduct its own assessment of the remaining application.

Andretti-Cadillac expressed gratitude for the FIA’s thorough and transparent evaluation process, expressing eagerness to participate in the historic and prestigious championship. They look forward to engaging with all Formula 1 stakeholders as they plan their entry onto the grid in the near future.

Leon Osamor