Andretti-Cadillac has publicly challenged FOM’s rejection of their 2025 F1 series entry, sparking a debate over competitive fairness and the future of new teams in the sport.
Andretti-Cadillac has expressed “strong disagreement” with the reasons Formula 1 Management (FOM) has given for rejecting their proposal to join the series in 2025.
FIA Rejects Andretti’s F1 Entry
Following the opening of an expression of interest process to identify “one or more” new teams, the FIA confirmed last October that it had accepted Andretti’s proposal.
However, Michael Andretti’s team faced opposition from the existing teams, who were against the possibility of diluted value.
Yesterday, the sport’s commercial rights holder announced its decision to reject Andretti’s attempt to expand its motorsport presence into F1 starting from 2025 or 2026.
But FOM stated it would be willing to reconsider the proposal by 2028, provided General Motors also enters as an engine manufacturer.
Andretti has become one of the most iconic brands in motorsport, participating in championships such as Formula E and IndyCar.
However, even though FOM accepted the idea that “the Andretti name brings a certain recognition to F1 fans, our research indicates that F1 would add value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around,” as they justified in their statement.
FOM also questioned the confidence that Andretti would be a competitive participant from the start, especially with a rules overhaul expected to be introduced in 2026.
This argument concerned Andretti’s admission that it would initially require engine supply from a current manufacturer, like Renault.
Andretti-Cadillac Challenges FOM Decision
Andretti and Cadillac responded to FOM with a joint statement, proclaiming they will continue to work on their joint venture behind the scenes “at a sustained pace” despite the rejection.
“Cadillac has reviewed the information shared by Formula One Management and strongly disagrees with its content,” the statement said.
“Andretti and Cadillac are two successful global motorsport organizations, determined to place a true American factory team in F1, competing alongside the world’s best. We are proud of the significant progress we have already made in developing a highly competitive car and power unit with an experienced team behind them, and our work continues at a steady pace.”
“Andretti Cadillac would also like to acknowledge and thank the fans who have expressed their support,” added the statement.
1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, father of Michael, stated on social media that he was “devastated” by FOM’s decision to deny this entry.
What next? Options are limited: Andretti could take the matter to European courts, which F1 is subject to, for anti-competitive practices. Or agree to enter in 2028 but would then need guarantees that their entry will be accepted, knowing that the $200 million anti-dilution fund entry fee will likely be significantly re-evaluated by the Concorde Agreements to be negotiated for 2026 and beyond.
Andretti-Cadillac Rebukes FOM’s 2025 Entry Denial. Andretti-Cadillac Rebukes FOM’s 2025 Entry Denial
- ReadMore>F1 Rejects Andretti’s 2025 Bid, Open to 2028 Entry
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