Andretti Formula Racing’s application to join the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac from 2025 at the earliest has taken a step forward after the FIA approved the bid to put them through to the third and final stage of the process.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recognised the process to approve Andretti has been lengthy and thorough, with the team the only ones to get the go-ahead from the application process. Amoung those not progressing included New Zealand’s Rodin Carlin, Hitech and an Asian effort called LKYSUNZ.
“The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure,” Sulayem said. “Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport.
“The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the Expressions of Interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application would proceed to the next stage of the application process.
“In taking that decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with EU directives on motorsport participation and development.
“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission. I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.”
All that stands between the team and two spots on the grid now is the Formula One Management group (FOM) themselves, who will take away the results and analyse the merits of the application.
“We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application,” they said in a statement.
Andretti welcomed the news of their selection following the rigorous review from the FIA, issuing a statement expressing their gratitude.
“Andretti Cadillac is honoured that the FIA has approved Andretti Formula Racing’s Expression of Interest for the Formula 1 world championship,” they said. “We appreciate the FIA’s rigorous, transparent and complete evaluation process and are incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to compete in such a historic and prestigious championship.
“The formation of this distinctly American team is an important moment of pride for all our employees and fans. We feel strongly that Andretti Cadillac’s deep racing competencies and the technological advancements that come from racing will benefit our customers while heightening enthusiasm for F1 globally.
“We look forward to engaging with all of the stakeholders in Formula 1 as we continue our planning to join the grid as soon as possible.”
