Andretti Global continues its F1 push.
Andretti Autosport, echoing the sentiment from the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, is building their own 'field' at Silverstone Circuit in England. Despite the recent setback of a grid spot rejection in F1, Andretti Global is steadfast in their preparations, constructing the necessary facilities and assembling a team for their F1 venture.
A 48,000-square-foot U.K. facility and a workforce of around 80 people are designing and developing a car that could race in 2026. Nicholas Chester, former Lotus and Renault Formula 1 technical director, is leading the development of Andretti-Cadillac's F1 project.
Andretti Global, Silverstone Park, UK.
Andretti Autosport has not backed off from the idea that it will be part of the 2026 F1, even when much of the sport doesn't want it. The Andretti team was on full-court press this weekend at the Miami Grand Prix, seen all over the grid and talking to many of the sport's high-ups.
Michael Andretti with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem at Miami GP ‘24
Mario Andretti was on the grid walk broadcast with Martin Brundle at the Miami Grand Prix. He told Brundle he’s “working every day” to get an F1 team on the grid and expects to have one in 2026. “We’re ready to meet whatever challenge there is,” Mario told Brundle.
Mario Andretti didn't back down from a challenge but took his lobbying efforts to Washington. Twelve members of Congress penned a letter to Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1, demanding answers regarding the rejection of Andretti Global's bid. This bipartisan group expressed concerns about potential anti-competitive actions that could prevent the American companies of Andretti Global and General Motors (GM) from competing in Formula 1.
Mario Andretti, John James (Michigan), and Victoria Spartz (Indiana) in Washington, DC
Formula 1 argued that a new team would only benefit the sport by consistently competing for podium finishes and race victories. However, the FIA had already assessed and approved Andretti Cadillac's technical capabilities to compete alongside existing teams. It's worth noting that most current Formula 1 teams don't regularly achieve podium finishes or wins.
Formula 1 also criticized Andretti Cadillac for considering an existing engine manufacturer, citing potential damage to the sport's prestige. Yet, Contradictorily, they acknowledged that using a new engine from General Motors in the team's debut season would pose a challenge for the new outfit.
Despite the rejected bid and resistance from Formula 1, Andretti Global has not slowed down one bit. In fact, they have doubled down on efforts to ensure a future spot on the F1 grid.
