The FIA reacts to the announcement of the rejection of Andretti’s Formula 1 candidacy
At the beginning of the week, the F1 announced its verdict regarding the potential entry of the Andretti team into Formula 1 as early as 2025. It is a categorical refusal that was presented to Michaël Andretti, despite his father's track record and the existence of his team in the USA for many decades.
The F1 announced at the end of January the rejection of Andretti’s candidacy to be the 11th F1 team in 2025. Shock and surprise, but the statement was particularly detailed.
The FIA had last October “approved” the arrival of Andretti in the Formula 1 World Championship, explaining that they had conducted a thorough analysis of the team’s potential to comply with the regulations. Among several candidates, only Andretti had been approved by the FIA and was therefore eligible to compete in F1.
« The FIA takes note of Formula One Management’s announcement regarding the expression of interest process for teams in the FIA World Formula 1 Championship. We are engaging in a dialogue to determine the next steps. » details the brief statement.
On its side, Formula 1, through Liberty Media and the FOM (Formula One Management), stepped up and explained that Andretti’s entry into F1 does not depend on the FIA but rather on the choices of the owner of the Formula 1 World Championship: Liberty Media.
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1 director, had then explained that they were implementing a process to analyze the interest of bringing Andretti to F1. This process resulted in a refusal to allow the Andretti Global group and its partners General Motors via the Cadillac brand to enter the World Championship in 2025 and 2026.
The Formula 1 explained, in particular, that Andretti seemed to underestimate the effort required to be competitive, mentioning that the team would not be powered by GM, as the engine would be supplied by one of the engine suppliers on the grid in 2025 (likely Alpine).
However, Formula 1 has made way for Andretti to join in 2028, with more preparation and an engine provided directly by a major manufacturer such as General Motors. The American group had indeed announced its intention to supply an F1 team with engines in 2028. So, patience is required.
