Ex-Renault TD Nick Chester to lead Andretti’s F1

Andretti F1 venture led by ex-Renault and Lotus technical director Nick Chester.

Andretti F1’s ambitions to enter the competition in 2026 have gained momentum as ex-technical director of Lotus and Renault Nick Chester is set to lead the team in collaboration with General Motors’ Cadillac brand.

Nick Chester, the ex-technical director of Lotus and Renault in Formula 1, has been selected to lead the establishment and growth of a potential Andretti F1 venture in collaboration with General Motors’ Cadillac brand, if the team’s ambitions to join the competition in 2026 are realized.

According to The F1Lead, Chester commenced his new role at Andretti in March, following his departure from McLaren Formula E team, which emerged from the championship-winning Mercedes EQ squad that secured four driver and team titles in the previous two Formula E campaigns.

Chris Dyer, a former engineer for Ferrari in Formula 1, has taken over Nick Chester’s role at the McLaren Formula E team. Meanwhile, Ian James, Chester’s former boss at McLaren, confirmed that Chester had left the team in February but declined to reveal his new employer.

Although the details are not confirmed, it is believed that Nick Chester is in the process of assembling a team of technical and engineering professionals who will be based at Andretti’s Banbury headquarters in the UK. The team’s objective is to participate in the 2026 F1 season if Andretti Cadillac is granted a spot in the competition.

According to Ian James, Nick Chester possesses a wealth of experience, as does his successor Chris Dyer. This attribute is critical for the role they hold. Additionally, James remarked that Chester had a calming impact on the team, which was invaluable.

Ian James expressed that, in general, Nick Chester’s approach was excellent, as he was capable of tackling significant challenges without overwhelming his team. Furthermore, Chester had a talent for bringing the entire team on the journey with him. During his tenure at McLaren, Chester was an asset and a joy to work with, according to James.

Andretti was the initial team to publicize its intention to enter F1 when the FIA disclosed that it would accept applications in January. However, despite collaborating with Cadillac for its official bid, the team still faces significant resistance from established F1 teams, despite its efforts to acquire Sauber in 2021 and its frequent declarations of interest in joining the sport.

Andretti F1 venture led by ex-Renault and Lotus technical director Nick Chester Andretti F1 venture led by ex-Renault and Lotus technical director Nick Chester Andretti F1 venture led by ex-Renault and Lotus technical director Nick Chester

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