Andretti-Cadillac proposed to join Formula 1 by the 2026 season. However, following major backlash from the team principals and drivers, the American outfit’s bid was pending approval from F1. Finally, before the commencement of the 2024 season, the final decision has been made by Formula One Management (FOM).
F1 has rejected the Andretti Cadillac’s bid to join the grid by 2025 or 2026. Although the team has been denied entry for now, F1 asserted that they would look ‘differently’ on the application for 2028, alongside General Motors’ planned power units entry for that season. Hence, the door has been closed for Michael Andretti‘s team for now.
The reason that F1 gave for this was not unexpected, as multiple team principals like Fred Vasseur explained the negatives of the team’s entry into the sport. F1 highlighted that the addition of an 11th team on the grid did not add value to the sport. Rather, the addition of another team needs to be to increase competitiveness, something which Andretti did not showcase. As a result, Formula 1 officially declined the bid, despite great developments regarding the team’s entry into the sport.
Formula 1 representative highlighted further issues with the team’s entry into the sport
Additionally, F1 representatives highlighted other issues with Andretti joining the grid. However, F1 did not fail to acknowledge that Andretti’s name has some recognition from old Formula 1 fans. Regardless, the addition of the team solely due to this popularity did not make sense to FOM.
The research conducted by F1 revealed that Andretti Cadillac’s bid for entering the sport wouldn’t reap the same benefits that it would to the team. This meant that Andretti’s brand would gain more value as compared to what the team bought on the table for Formula 1. Hence, the team was rejected an early entry into the sport.
Although the bid produced by Michael Andretti and others had its benefits, F1 has made the call in the sport’s interest. The addition of another team would’ve had its pros and cons, as expressed by multiple people on the grid. Hence, time will tell about the team’s entry in 2028 if Andretti holds onto the bid for longer.
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