How many teams will apply by the end of April to join the F1 grid?

Will we see the grid open beyond the ten stables already present in Formula 1 ? As a reminder, last February, the FIA ​​decided to launch a declaration of interest process, in order to allow possible teams to express their desire to join the grid in 2025, 2026 or 2027. These teams in question have until the end of April to apply, requiring a lot of administration and a little money ($300 application fees). 

Until now, some have publicly declared themselves candidates, while others have started working in secret. “I think what has emerged is that three or four teams are going to commit. I would like the grid to widen in good conditions”, said Zak Brown, CEO of Mclaren racing. “We know I'm a Michael supporter (Andretti) and Cadillac and I think they would be beneficial for the sport. I'm probably in the minority on this topic. »

Andretti, proclaimed candidate

Engaged in IndyCar, Andretti Global has made no secret of its intentions to join F1 for two years now. Faced with the distrust of the majority of current F1 teams who see the arrival of new adversaries as a financial shortfall rather than as an axis of economic development, Michael Andretti has also beefed up its game by joining forces with Cadillac, the brand of the giant General Motors. 

The American had in fact confirmed that he would respond to the declaration of interest launched by the FIA. “Together, we will continue to follow the procedures put in place by the FIA ​​as part of its evaluation process. We continue to prepare with optimism in the hope that Andretti Cadillac will be officially accepted as a Formula 1 team.". A project that revolves around around Nick Chester, responsible for training the technical team behind the project, while the team is based in Indiana, in Fishers, in facilities designed for the F1 objective.

Hitech is working on an H26 project

As a reminder, last month, the former main team of BAR F1 team Craig Pollock indicated that he was aiming for a return to the premier category around a project based on parity (particularly male-female) and entitled Formula Equals. According to certain rumors, he could have allied himself with Saudi funds to give depth to his project.

According to information published by our colleagues at RN365 and that we are able to confirm, the Hitech Grand Prix team, which notably officiates in Formula 2 and Formula 3, launched a working group called H26 in order to consider an arrival in F1 in 2026. The team based in Silverstone, in the English industrial area where most F1 teams have taken up residence, is even already using the old wind tunnel Mercedes Benz.

Some more or less serious rumors have also reported other diverse and varied projects, including that of the billionaire of Hong Kong Calvin Lo. Near Williams, he initially had the idea of ​​creating his own structure for 2026, before finally declaring himself a candidate for an alliance with a team or a team in the making. 

As a reminder, Formula 1 candidates have until April 30 to apply in due form. Secondly, FIA and FOM will leave until the end of June to decide on the possible opening of the grid. In the event that it decides to open the grid, it will have to determine whether it selects one or two teams, and if so decide which ones. Stefano Domenicali, keen to maintain the excellent relationships he maintains with the teams already present on the grid, will have to find the right formula to satisfy everyone.  

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