Rodin, a company hailing from New Zealand, recently shocked the motorsports world by revealing its ambitious bid to enter the prestigious Formula 1 championship. The company, known for its F1-inspired Fzed track car, made the announcement on Thursday, only to learn that its application had been rejected by the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1.
In a statement, Rodin expressed its disappointment but shared its anticipation that Andretti Global, an American racing team led by Michael Andretti, will be the only successful new entry into Formula 1. Andretti Global has the backing of General Motors and, if successful, will compete under the name Andretti Cadillac.
Although Rodin’s dreams of becoming a Formula 1 team were dashed, it provided some compelling reasons to support its cause. Firstly, being based in New Zealand would have made Rodin the only team in the Southern Hemisphere, adding geographical diversity to the championship. Additionally, Rodin emphasized its status as an actual car manufacturer with all the necessary facilities to support an F1 team. Lastly, the company highlighted its commitment to gender equality in the sport by guaranteeing a seat for a female driver.
In line with its commitment to promoting diversity, Rodin evaluated Jamie Chadwick, a talented British racing driver, and offered her a seat on its team if the entry had been successful. Chadwick currently competes for Andretti Autosport in the Indy NXT feeder series. Furthermore, Rodin considered New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, who is currently driving for AlphaTauri in Formula 1, as a potential replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo.
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Rodin also made it known that its entry would have been fully funded by the personal wealth of company founder David Dicker. Dicker, an Australian amateur racer and class champion of the Ferrari Challenge one-make series, made his fortune in the IT industry and expressed his deep passion for motorsports.
Despite the setback, Rodin remains undeterred in its pursuit of excellence. The company is continuing with its plans to manufacture its own track cars and is currently developing a V-10 successor to its V-8-powered Fzed model. This new vehicle, called the Fzero, aims to offer performance and thrills similar to those of a Formula 1 car. Rodin has already started testing a prototype for the Fzero, but no official production start date has been announced.
With its drive for innovation and commitment to pushing boundaries, Rodin has positioned itself as a formidable contender in the world of track cars. Although Formula 1 may not be within its immediate reach, the company’s ambition and determination ensure that it will continue to captivate motorsports enthusiasts with its cutting-edge creations.
In conclusion, Rodin’s bold attempt to join Formula 1 was met with disappointment when its application was rejected by the FIA. However, the company remains resolute in its pursuit of automotive excellence, and its upcoming Fzero model showcases its unwavering commitment to pushing technological boundaries. While Rodin’s dreams of racing in Formula 1 may have been temporarily put on hold, its passion for motorsports and dedication to advancing the sport will undoubtedly continue to shape its journey towards automotive greatness.
