The FIA have approved Andretti‘s bid to enter Formula 1 for 2026 to move the American outfit one step closer to a place on the F1 grid.
Andretti are the only team to get the green light from the FIA after failed bids from the likes of Rodin Cars, Hitech and Lky Sunz.
But, F1‘s management still need to give the green light for Andretti to officially join the championship, which will likely require some backing from the 10 teams.
Total-Motorsport.com understands the majority of the grid do not want a new team, so the championship prize fund is not diluted.
“The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport.
“The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the Expressions of Interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application would proceed to the next stage of the application process.
“In taking that decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with EU directives on motor sport participation and development.
“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission. I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.
“The Expressions of Interest process builds on the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations among existing OEMs which has also attracted further commitment from Audi, Honda and Ford and interest from Porsche and General Motors.
“I would like to thank all of the FIA team members involved in the Expressions of Interest process for their tireless efforts in ensuring a diligent assessment of all of the applications received.”
Andretti‘s collaboration General Motors will be called Andretti Cadillac Racing in F1, should their application be successful.
Owner, Michael Andretti, has previously said he wanted “at least one American driver” on the team. Williams‘ Logan Sargeant is the only driver from the United States on the 2023 grid.
Andretti are based in Indiana in the United States, but would have a support base in the UK for their F1 efforts.
