The Formula 1 World Championship is set to welcome a new team, as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of the sport, has recently approved Andretti Global’s bid to enter the prestigious racing competition. The team, led by Michael Andretti, owner of the successful IndyCar team Andretti Autosport and son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti, will compete under the name Andretti Cadillac with the backing of General Motors.
Andretti Global has also secured a deal with Renault to utilize its power unit, which will be branded as a Cadillac power unit. This partnership will provide Andretti Global with a reliable and competitive engine for their future endeavors in Formula 1.
While the FIA has granted approval to Andretti Global’s bid, their spot on the F1 grid is not yet confirmed. The next step in their journey will be to convince Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, of their eligibility and readiness to compete in the championship.
Among the four finalists considered by the FIA, Andretti Global emerged as the only entity that fulfilled the selection criteria, including sustainability and positive societal impact, alongside the traditional financial and performance criteria. Other finalists, namely New Zealand’s Rodin, British racing team Hitech Grand Prix, and Asia-based motorsports startup Lkysunz, unfortunately did not meet the necessary requirements.
Andretti Global expressed their gratitude towards the FIA for their thorough and transparent evaluation process, acknowledging the significance of being given the opportunity to compete in such a historic and esteemed championship. The team stated, “The formation of this distinctly American team is an important moment of pride for all our employees and fans.”
Although it remains uncertain when Andretti Global will make their debut in F1, their entry signals an exciting development for the sport. Andretti Global will not be the sole newcomer to the championship, as both Ford and Audi are set to join the F1 grid in the coming years.
Ford is planning to make its return to F1 in 2026 as a partner of leading team Red Bull Racing. Given Ford’s rich motorsport history and success, this partnership has created a buzz of anticipation within the F1 community. Additionally, Audi is poised to enter the sport for the first time, also in 2026, by taking control of Sauber, which currently competes as Alfa Romeo. Audi’s involvement in F1 is highly anticipated, as the German automotive giant has a strong reputation for performance and innovation.
These new additions to the Formula 1 grid signify the continued growth and evolving landscape of the sport. The entrance of Andretti Global, Ford, and Audi will undoubtedly inject fresh energy, competition, and innovation into Formula 1. It presents an exciting prospect for fans, competitors, and sponsors alike.
As the F1 community eagerly awaits the debut of Andretti Global and the imminent arrival of Ford and Audi, the future of the championship appears promising. The addition of these new teams will surely enhance the excitement and competitiveness of Formula 1, solidifying its position as the pinnacle of motorsport. Fans and enthusiasts can anticipate thrilling races and captivating storylines as the sport embraces this new era.