F1 has issued a statement denying Andretti Global's participation in F1 over the next few seasons.
Andretti's attempts to enter F1 over the next few seasons were ruthlessly rejected by F1, who presented a full review to explain the reasons for their refusal.
Last year, the FIA put out a call for applications for the championship, and Andretti's entry, managed by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, son of 1978 world champion Mario, was the most serious submission. The application passed the initial stages outlined by the FIA but has now been rejected.
Andretti's bid to join F1 rejected
With the FIA confirming that Andretti's application met the initial selection criteria in October 2023, the governing body has confirmed that Andretti's application meets the initial selection criteria, which means Andretti will be eligible for the next stage of evaluation by F1 as a commercial rights holder (Liberty Media – CRH). suggested that there is a possibility of proceeding.
This process will determine whether Andretti's entry brings value to the championship, with both the FIA and F1 needing to agree for the applicant to be on the grid.
Critically, F1 said that an invitation to a direct meeting with Andretti to discuss this application was not taken up by Andretti, and there is currently no possibility that the team's entry will be included on the 2025 or 2026 grid. It outlines what should not be considered.
What reason did F1 give for rejecting Andretti?
F1 said in a statement to the media that an 11th team does not add value to the championship in and of itself.
The rationale for this is that the 11th team must demonstrate that its involvement will be of significant benefit to the Championship or CRH.
“The most important way for new entrants to bring value is by being competitive, especially by competing for podiums and race wins,” the statement said.
“This will significantly increase fan participation and also increase the value of the Championship in the eyes of key stakeholders and revenue sources such as broadcasters and race promoters.”
Andretti's partnership with Cadillac via General Motors was a major coup for the entry, but F1 didn't budge either.
GM will partner with Andretti, but the manufacturer will not initially be a power supplier but a “silent partner” for the first few years. F1 said it would be “more reliable” if GM supplied power units from the start, but “there would also be significant challenges to overcome” for novice constructors and novice power unit suppliers.
F1 will also see Andretti build his car for the final year of the current regulations, as the chassis and power unit regulations will also undergo revolutionary changes from 2025 to 2026, requiring very different designs on both fronts. He dismissed the proposal to design and manufacture it. Cars can be designed and manufactured to new regulations almost instantly.
F1 also said that without a GM power unit from the start, existing power unit manufacturers (one of which will be forced to supply engines under the sport's regulations) would “inevitably be reluctant to extend it.” It will be,” he explained.collaboration with [Andretti] While exceeding the necessary minimum, [Andretti] The company is pursuing its long-term ambitions to cooperate with GM as a PU supplier, but a mandatory PU supplier would see it as a risk to its intellectual property and know-how. ”
As a result, F1 said there was no basis to allow a new applicant in 2025 and questioned Andretti's own attitude towards the regulations, saying: [Andretti] Proposing to do so gives us reason to question their understanding of the scope of the challenges involved. ”
F1 also said that despite Andretti's success in other motorsport categories, the sport “represents a unique technical challenge for constructors.” [Andretti] has not competed in any other formula or discipline he has competed in before and proposes to rely on a compulsory PU supply to compete during the first few years of participation.
“Based on this, we do not believe the following.” [Andretti] Will be a competitive participant. ”
F1 also explained that in terms of power units, the challenges facing new power unit manufacturers cannot be underestimated. F1 cited that “major automakers have struggled in the past” and acknowledged that while GM has the resources and credibility to do so, “success is not guaranteed.”
F1 would 'bring more value to Andretti' than vice versa
F1 considered Andretti's application from a commercial perspective and said the team could bring value to the championship if it was competitive. However, F1 said this frankly. [Andretti] Will be a competitive participant. ”
The regulations include a clause that would force existing power unit manufacturers to supply customers who cannot find a willing partner, but F1 has avoided implementing it, saying it would “damage the prestige and status” of the sport.
“Although the Andretti name brings some recognition to F1 fans, our research shows that F1 brings value to the Andretti brand, not the other way around,” the statement said, slamming Andretti. It shows that.''
F1 also stated that it does not foresee a material positive impact on CRH's financial results, with a simultaneous reduction in technical, operational and commercial opportunities for the other 10 teams, as well as additional operational burdens on race promoters. He also said that he had decided to impose a .
“We do not believe that the applicant has shown that it adds value to the championship,” the statement concludes.
“We conclude that the applicant's application to participate in the Championship should not be successful.”
But the door may not be completely closed for Andretti. Andretti revealed this week that he is preparing full speed ahead for a potential F1 race over the next year or two.
F1 could take a different look at the possibility of entering the 2028 championship with GM backing, either as a factory entry or as a customer team, especially in terms of bringing new OEMs into the sport. Stated.
Finally, while many current F1 teams have made clear their lack of enthusiasm for Andretti's entry, F1 said its evaluation of Andretti's application “did not include any consultation with current F1 teams.” Ta.
“However, having regard to the best interests of the Championship, we have considered the impact that the entry of an 11th team will have on all commercial stakeholders in the Championship.”
In response to inquiries from PlanetF1.com, the FIA declined to comment on F1's statement.
Read next: F1 didn't just reject Andretti's bid…they completely tore it apart.
