After a thorough review, Formula One (F1) has made the decision to reject the bid by Andretti Global and General Motors (GM) to expand the grid for the 2025 season. The announcement has sparked outrage among American fans of the series and left Michael Andretti and GM exploring potential legal avenues. However, F1 remains adamant in its belief that the proposed team would struggle to be competitive in the highly demanding international racing series.
In a statement, F1 stated its reasons for rejecting Andretti's bid. Firstly, it expressed doubt that the team would be able to compete at a high level, considering that joining F1 presents a unique technical challenge unlike any other formula or discipline in which Andretti has previously participated. F1 views itself as the pinnacle of world motorsport, and being competitive requires a deep understanding of the series' demanding nature.
Additionally, F1 criticized the belief that the Andretti name alone carries significant value to the series. While the Andretti family has a historical connection to F1, F1 argued that it would be the series itself that brings value to the Andretti brand, rather than the other way around. F1's decision is rooted in its belief that Andretti would face significant challenges in getting on the grid in the next two years.
For the Andretti family, the decision was met with devastation. Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, expressed his emotions on social media, saying, 'I'm devastated. I won't say anything else because I can't find any other words besides devastated.' The refusal to allow Andretti's entry into F1 deals a blow to their ambitions of creating a genuine American team, potentially featuring IndyCar driver Colton Herta.
General Motors, partnering with Andretti under its Cadillac brand, had signed on to support the team. However, the bid received pushback from most of the existing 10 teams, F1 leadership, and Liberty Media Corp., which owns the commercial rights to the series. The complexity grew when GM announced in November that it had registered with F1's governing body to become an engine supplier starting in 2028. This put F1 in a difficult position, as it is challenging to turn away one of the largest automakers in the world, especially an American company when the series has been gaining traction in the United States.
The United States, with its three races last season, hosted more F1 races than any other country. Furthermore, multiple U.S.-based companies have signed on as team sponsors over the past few seasons, illustrating the growing interest in the sport within the United States. Andretti Cadillac has expressed its strong disagreement with F1's review of the application but has not indicated whether it plans to pursue an antitrust lawsuit against Formula One Management or Liberty.
F1 is interested in reconsidering Andretti's bid when GM has developed an engine ready for competition. If Andretti had received approval for the 2025 season, they would have had to use another manufacturer's engine until 2028. F1 noted that expanding the grid to accommodate an 11th team would impose operational burdens on race promoters, subjecting them to significant costs and reducing the spaces available for other competitors. F1 wants GM to succeed but emphasizes that success in F1 can take years of substantial investment.
Looking ahead, F1 has implemented new engine regulations for 2026, focusing on sustainable fuels and greater electric power. Six manufacturers, including newcomer Audi and the returning Ford and Honda, have signed agreements with the FIA to supply engines in 2026.
Although the hopes of seeing an American-owned team in F1 have been dashed for now, the door remains open for Andretti and GM for the 2028 season, provided they have a GM power unit and meet certain criteria. F1 acknowledges the potential value that a prestigious new OEM could bring to the sport as an engine supplier.
While this decision has disappointed Andretti Global and General Motors, it highlights the rigorous standards and fierce competition that define the world of Formula One. As the series continues to evolve and attract global attention, future opportunities may arise for new teams to enter the prestigious F1 grid.
