F1 embraces the return of Ford

Michael Andretti’s hopes of gaining a place on the Formula 1 grid appear to have been boosted twice in the past 24 hours.

First the FIA formally opened its process for new teams to apply to compete in the world championship. But by no means does this guarantee an application from Andretti will be accepted.

Indeed, following pushback from F1 and most of the existing teams who don’t want to share the sport’s spoils with new entrants, the FIA made it clear that even if it approves a bid the commercial arm of the sport can block it. “Existing F1 teams will be given priority over new applicants,” it stated. “In the event that no applicant is considered suitable by the FIA and/or by the F1 commercial rights holder, no new F1 team(s) will be selected.”

But at least the wheels are turning. Merely getting the FIA to consider its case will be an achievement for Andretti, as new entries are only admitted to F1 periodically. The earliest a new team might arrive on the grid is 2025, almost a full decade after the last entrant, Haas.

Nonetheless it’s clear Andretti’s hopes of entering F1 rest not only on convincing the FIA they are serious about competing for the long-term, and not merely selling up in a few years’ time when the growing popularity of F1 has increased the value of their investment. They also need political support from F1 and its teams.

This was not entirely absent to begin with. As Andretti does not propose to build its own engines it will need to source one from an existing manufacturer. It has previously named Renault as its preferred supplier, and they are believed to be favourable to Andretti’s cause. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has also voiced support for Andretti’s efforts to enter F1.

But most important is the position of F1 itself. Up until now, they have offered little encouragement. “I don’t see honestly the need of that increase [in the number of teams] to have a big benefit for the sport of Formula 1,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in August last year.

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Today Domenicali appeared alongside Ford president and CEO Jim Farley on Fox News as the manufacturer announced its plans to return to F1, a series it left almost two decades ago.

“It’s great news for us. It’s great news for Ford. It’s great news for America,” said Domenicali. “Ford…