How will FIA decide on F1’s potential new teams?

Nowadays, the process is a lot more rigorous and pretty regimented in its details when it comes to allowing exclusive access to the F1 club.

It is a necessary formality, though, because F1 needs to know that all its entrants have the necessary backing and skill to do a good job.

The last thing the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) want is for teams to turn up for one or two years, struggle at the back and then collapse and disappear. It is all about long-term growth.

This week’s formal opening of the process to invite teams to potentially join grand prix racing from either the 2025, 2026 or 2027 seasons has laid down how the evaluation process will go to determine if anyone is deemed suitable enough.

Email application (with a $20,000 fee)

The first step is for potential new teams to email the FIA with a preliminary expression of interest about their desire to join F1.

This must include six different elements:

* A cover letter introducing the candidate.

* The candidate’s full contact details, including the name of its primary contact person, telephone number, email address, and postal address.

* Company details, including address, articles of association and infrastructure details.

* The identity of all shareholders and the ultimate beneficial owner of all shares.

* A curriculum vitae for each director and officer of the candidate entity.

* Information on the candidate’s relevant experience and capabilities in the automobile and/or motorsport sector, including technical experience, racing experience, facilities, equipment, and engineering resources.

Teams also have to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement related to the ongoing discussions with the FIA, and submit a non-refundable administration fee of $20,000 (USD).

Formal process

Within 48 hours of the submission of an expression of interest, or February 17 (whichever is the latest), the FIA will inform any candidates that it thinks could be suitable that they will move on to a more formal evaluation process.

This will require an application fee from teams of $300,000 (although the initial $20,000 initial figure can be taken off), to cover FIA expenses in completing its due diligence.

While the final details…