Andretti Cadillac says it “strongly disagrees” with FOM’s decision to refuse its entry into Formula 1 and will continue to work the project.
The brand already competes in FIA-sanctioned series such as Formula E, as well as IndyCar and Extreme E, under its group identity Andretti Global. The FIA approved its application to enter F1 in October last year.
However FOM announced today it had turned down Andretti’s application to enter in either 2025 or 2026. It gave several reasons for turning down Andretti’s application, including claiming its name had too little recognition among the sport’s fans. FOM also stated it did not believe it needed to expand the grid beyond the current 10 teams and argued Andretti was unlikely to be competitive if it was allowed to enter.
A statement issued by the team said: “Andretti Cadillac has reviewed the information Formula One Management Limited has shared and strongly disagree with its contents.
“Andretti and Cadillac are two successful global motorsports organisations committed to placing a genuine American works team in F1, competing alongside the world’s best. We are proud of the significant progress we have already made on developing a highly competitive car and power unit with an experienced team behind it, and our work continues at pace.”
FOM’s decision has prompted a vociferous and negative reaction among F1 fans on social media. “Andretti Cadillac would also like to acknowledge and thank the fans who have expressed their support,” they added.
Mario Andretti, father of team owner Michael Andretti, said he felt “devastated” by Formula 1’s refusal to allow his son’s team to enter the series.
The 83-year-old raced in F1 over a 15-year period from 1968 to 1983, winning the 1978 F1 world championship and 12 grands prix. “I’m devastated,” he said in a social media post. “I won’t say anything else because I can’t find any other words besides devastated.”
F1’s statement did leave open the possibility of allowing Andretti’s team to enter in 2028, provided it secures a works engine supply from General Motors. Andretti previously announced a tie-up with the Cadillac brand.
“We would look differently on an application for the entry of a team into the 2028 championship with a GM power unit, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all allowable components in-house,” said FOM in a statement. “In this case there would be additional factors to consider in…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at RaceFans…