Formula One has officially rejected the bid from Andretti’s American team to enter F1 with General Motors’ Cadillac brand for the 2025 or 2026 seasons. While the FIA had approved the application, Formula One’s commercial rights holders, the FOM, needed to assess it. FOM concluded that the presence of an 11th team, particularly Andretti, would not add value to the championship and that the applicant did not show it would be competitive.
The FOM stated that the addition of an 11th team would place operational burdens on race promoters, subject some to significant costs, and reduce the space for other competitors. They also argued that taking a compulsory power unit supply, potentially over several seasons, would be damaging to the championship’s prestige. FOM believes that the Andretti name carries recognition for F1 fans, but research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around.
However, Andretti has the option to aim for admission in the 2028 season. FOM mentioned that they would look differently on an application for entry into the 2028 Championship with a GM power unit, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all allowable components in-house. In such a case, additional factors, particularly bringing a prestigious new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to the sport as a power unit supplier, would be considered.
Michael Andretti, reacting to FOM’s decision, stated that Andretti Cadillac strongly disagrees with the contents of the decision. He emphasized their commitment to placing a genuine American works team in F1, competing alongside the world’s best, and mentioned the significant progress they have made in developing a highly competitive car and power unit. Andretti’s statement suggested that their work towards entering the F1 grid continues at pace despite the rejection.
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