Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Andretti-Cadillac succeeds in major coup after signing ex-F1 CTO Pat Symonds amidst tensions with FOM

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated 5/22/24

Formula 1 rejected Andretti-Cadillac‘s bid to join the grid by 2026. However, the American giant has continued its efforts to potentially overturn the sport’s decision. Now, Michael Andretti ‘s squad has won a major coup after hiring former F1 Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds.

Symonds was the F1 CTO for seven years and played a pivotal role in the formulation of the 2026 chassis rules. The 70-year-old will join Andretti-Cadillac as an Executive Engineering Consultant. Pat Symonds will be working at Andretti’s newly inaugurated state-of-the-art facility in the UK. It must be noted that Symonds played a role in the infamous Crashgate scandal of 2008.

Michael Andretti expressed his delight in signing Symonds. The 61-year-old claimed that Pat Symonds’ arrival was a massive vote of confidence for the Andretti-Cadillac project. Andretti further highlighted that the American team was continuing its efforts to enter F1 as an eleventh team.

We couldn't be more excited to welcome Pat to the Andretti family... I believe his expertise has been pivotal in shaping the narrative of Formula 1 and his vote of confidence in joining our effort speaks volumes. Michael Andretti said, as reported by Motorsport.com

US Senators call for further action against Andretti-Cadillac’s rejection

US lawmakers have been vocal against F1’s rejection of Andretti-Cadillac’s bid. Ex-US President Donald Trump‘s key ally Jim Jordan even launched an investigation into the entire affair. However, now seven senators have expressed their dissent over the situation.

In a letter addressed to the US Department of Justice, the senators highlighted that F1 wanted to increase its presence in the country. As such, having an American team should improve its prospects. Moreover, the letter mentioned that existing teams were hosting events in the US to gain more fans. Subsequently, the senators stated that there was a financial incentive to add another US-based team. Haas is currently the only American team in F1, albeit with technical partnerships with Ferrari and Dallara.

individual teams, such as Red Bull, are courting U.S. fans by hosting events in U.S. cities to “get up close and personal with the marvel of Formula One engineering, bringing together F1 fans.” Clearly there is a financial incentive to adding an American team to F1’s roster. Senators addressed in the letter, as reported by RacingNews365

It is clear that the Andretti-Cadillac saga will not end in the coming weeks. Formula 1 will need to answer to lawmakers over the entire decision-making process. Moreover, if things continue in the current trajectory, the sport could be forced to open the doors for Michael Andretti’s dream project in the pinnacle of motorsport.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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