The FIA ​​approves the Andretti project in the hypothesis of an 11th team in F1

The FIA ​​has approved Andretti's candidacy for a place on the Formula 1 grid in 2026. The American team will now have to convince the FOM. The hardest part begins.

Published 02/10/2023 à 17:39

Jeremy Satis

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The FIA ​​approves the Andretti project in the hypothesis of an 11th team in F1

Michael Andretti can enjoy his first victory on his way to F1. © IndyCar media

It was an open secret, it's now official. Andretti is the only team to have passed the second phase of the declaration of interests launched last February by the FIA, with a view to opening the grid. Formula 1 to an 11th team from 2025 or 2026. Rodin Cars, one of the unfortunate participants in the call for applications, had spilled the beans a few days earlier by announcing in its press release not having been retained by the FIA, unlike Andretti. 

Please note, this does not mean that Andretti is guaranteed to be on the grid in 2025 or 2026. There is indeed one step left to take, and not the least, since it is the most difficult: that of convincing the FOM. In summary, the first phase of the process entitled “Expression of interest” saw several structures apply for a place in F1. There was seriousness, like Andretti, or Hitech Grand Prix or Rodin Cars, structures involved in Formula 2, but also slightly more eccentric projects, like those of LKYSUNZ or Formula Equal. 

For Andretti, the hardest part is yet to come

In its press release, the FIA ​​indicated that only four teams had managed to progress to phase 2 of its process, without however disclosing their identities. “The FIA ​​applied a rigorous procedure during which candidates were assessed on their sporting and technical abilities, but also on the team's ability to raise and maintain sufficient funding to enable it to participate in the championship at a competitive level, without forgetting the experience and human resources aspect of the structure” we learned in the press release. 

At the end of this in-depth study, the FIA ​​decided to only qualify Andretti for the third and final phase by approving his file. However, it seems that this is the most difficult phase which is beginning for the American team, engaged in particular in IndyCar. Michael Andretti's team has always benefited from the support of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, even more so since Cadillac (a brand of the General Motors group) joined the project. The problem is that the teams currently present on the grid are mostly reluctant to welcome an 11th team, fearing the financial consequences of sharing revenue into 11 rather than 10. 

The FOM, which is keen not to get angry with the existing teams, has never seemed keen on the idea either, in view of its previous communications, against the backdrop of a power struggle with the international legislator. A few minutes after the FIA ​​press release, it was the FOM which published these few neutral words. “We note the FIA's findings in relation to the first and second phases of its proceedings, and we will now proceed with our own assessment of the single remaining application.” Ultimately, nothing new under the sun on planet F1. Andretti is still a candidate, and still has to convince F1. It's just now official, and done according to the rules of the art. Following the next number… 

ALSO READ > Formula 1 rejects a candidate team for 2026

Jeremy Satis

Deputy Digital Editor & F1 Reporter

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