Andretti, closer to becoming the eleventh team on the grid
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) approved on Monday the candidacy of Michael Andretti to form a new F1 team, thereby solving the first major obstacle of the American project to become the eleventh team on the grid.. The governing body of the Great Circus advanced the access of Andretti Global, in association with Cadillac, to the next phase of the process: approval by the holders of the commercial rights.
The American candidacy was the only one of the four admitted during the selection, although its future remains pending a commercial agreement with Liberty Media, holder of the F1 rights.
“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity that met the established selection criteria in all material aspects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team for their thorough presentation,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, in a statement.
The distribution of income
Last January, the FIA had launched a process to allow the entry of new participants from 2025 or 2026.. However, Andretti's plans are more immediate, as he aspires to compete in the top motor category starting in 2024..
The majority of teams opposed this expansion, unwilling that the distribution of income would be reduced.. Likewise, some teams consider that the current registration fee of 200 million dollars, which is now distributed among them as compensation, is still not enough.
Alliance with General Motors
Andretti, 60 years old, son of Mario Andretti, F1 world champion in 1978, has extensive experience in the world of motorsport, where today he competes in IndyCar and Formula E. Last January, an alliance with General Motors was closed to compete in F1 under the Cadillac brand.. Likewise, the Alpine team confirmed that it would supply its Renault engines if the adventure continued.
Andretti's presence would offer more American color to F1, which currently has the Haas team, owned by magnate Gene Haas.. Andretti planned to sign at least one American driver if he managed to enter F1.