Andretti F1 entry approved by FIA

Andretti Formula Racing is in the box seat to become the 11th Formula 1 team after its application was approved by the FIA. 

Following months of a “rigorous and comprehensive” application process, Andretti Formula Racing is the only applicant to be put forward to the third and final stage, which involves Formula 1’s commercial rights holders.

Although the FIA believes the team headed by 1993 McLaren driver and CART champion Michael Andretti fulfils the criteria, a place on the Formula 1 grid is not guaranteed however.

It still requires a commercial agreement with FOM and there has been resistance to the field being expanded beyond the current number of 10 teams.

Michael Andretti is hoping to join fellow WAU owner Zak Brown on the Formula 1 grid. Photo by Michael L. Levitt / LAT Images

If Andretti Formula Racing does make it, it will join Haas as an American owned Formula 1 team, but with support from General Motors through Cadillac.

Following a call for expressions of interest in February, the FIA assessed each applicant “on the sporting and technical ability, the ability of the team to raise and maintain sufficient funding to allow participation in the Championship at a competitive level and the team’s experience and human resources and also sustainability management.”

Aside from Andretti, only three other applicants made it through to the second stage of analysis, with New Zealand’s Rodin Carlin, Hitech and the Asian based LKYSUNZ.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said Andretti Formula Racing emerged as the top pick after a very thorough selection process.

“The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure,” he 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.

Michael Andretti with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem,

“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 motor sport 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.

“The Expressions of Interest process builds on the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations among existing OEMs which has also attracted further commitment from Audi, Honda and Ford and interest from Porsche and General Motors.

“I would like to thank all of the FIA team members involved in the Expressions of Interest process for their tireless efforts in ensuring a diligent assessment of all of the applications received.”

Michael Andretti himself naturally welcomed the news.

Andretti Autosport Honda has been a longtime force in IndyCar. Photo by Jake Galstad / LAT Images

“Andretti Cadillac is honoured that the FIA has approved Andretti Formula Racing’s Expression of Interest for the Formula 1 world championship,” he 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. 

Michael Andretti racing for McLaren at the 1993 Belgian Grand Prix. Photo by Ercole Colombo / Studio Colombo

“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.”

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