The FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, has approved the application put forth by Michael Andretti to join the grid by the 2024 and may now proceed to negotiations with the current stakeholders at the highest level of global motorsports.
“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 fulfills 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.”
With that said, hurdles still remain for a Cadillac supported Andretti team to join the field.
Andretti must now reach an agreeable deal with the Formula One Management group and there has been no shortage of resistance in expanding the grid beyond the current 10 teams. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has been steadfast in a messaging that ant new team would need to bring additional value to the category beyond splitting the commercial pie further to an 11th organization.
“As we always said, we need to make sure that the decision is right for the business,” Domenicali said before the summer break. “And this is what I think is the duty of the FIA and us together, that has to be taken. So that is another decision that will be taken in the next couple of months.”
A statement from Formula 1 on Monday simply acknowledged that Andretti had reached Phase 3.
“We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application,” it said.
To reach this third stage, prospective teams must prove they have the sporting, technical and financial capabilities to join the Formula 1 grid, as well as detail its strategy for sustainability and positive societal impact.
Four teams made it through to this most recent stage with Rodin Carlin, Hitech and Asian effort LKYSUNZ being informed recently that they were not being put forward to the final selection point.