Andretti’s dream of finally entering the World Championship Circus comes to a dead end, at least for now. After the rumours surrounding the American applicant, Formula 1’s negative response arrived, rejecting Andretti’s candidacy for 2025. The door remains open with a view to 2028, but F1’s decision, although motivated, is a precedent that greatly weakens the will of the FIA.
“The presence of an eleventh team would not, in itself, provide value to the Championship.
“The most significant way a new entrant would bring value is by being competitive.
“We do not believe that the Applicant would be a competitive participant,” says Formula 1’s press release. This statement clashes with what the FIA established last October, judging Andretti suitable to carry forward the F1 project.
Also taking the side of F1 are the teams who, even in the statements released at the end of last season, have never shown themselves so favourable to the entry of a new team.
Under the current Concorde Agreement, an additional team within the grid would dilute the prize money that teams receive.
Regardless, the divergence between F1 and the FIA begs a clear question: Which of the two figures has the power to decide whether a team is technically ready to enter the sport?
What to expect now from Andretti?
This is an obstacle from Andrett, from whom it is possible action on the legal front. Time will tell if the team decides to pursue this route. ]
For the American giant, a viable option could be to make an “Audi-like” move by acquiring an already existing team, such as Haas.
However, as it stands, Gene Haas has shown no interest in selling the team. Andretti has already explored this avenue before.
An additional glimmer of hope is provided by F1, offering a door to entry in 2028, although this fleeting mention is far from a guarantee.
“We would judge a request for a team’s entry into the 2028 Championship with a GM powertrain differently, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all permitted components in-house.
“In this case, there would be further factors to consider in relation to the value the Applicant would bring to the Championship, particularly in relation to the introduction of a new prestigious manufacturer into the sport as a PU supplier.”
Author: Loris Preziosa
Co-author: Giuliano Duchessa
Translation: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
