Michael Andretti, director of Andretti-Cadillac F1, cautions opposing teams that blocking their Formula 1 entry would hinder the series’ progress and disappoint racing enthusiasts worldwide.
Andretti, has warned teams opposed to their joining the grid that it would “deprive racing fans” of positive progress for the series.
With the FIA’s approval, Andretti Autosport and General Motors’ Cadillac brand are attempting to enter Formula 1, with GM committed to becoming an engine supplier from 2028 if the bid is successful.
While the FIA’s reception has been warm, the same cannot be said for F1 itself, with most teams opposing the idea of expanding the grid to 11 teams through Andretti-Cadillac. F1 president Stefano Domenicali remains cautious about the value of F1 and its existing teams.
However, the team is proceeding as if their entry is official, with a 120-member collaboration group already in place and working, overseen by technical director Nick Chester (read more here).
“As Mohammed Ben Sulayem (FIA president) has repeatedly said, the benefits we will bring to the sport and championship are so clear,” Michael Andretti stated today.
“I can’t imagine anyone wanting to try to stop us and deny racing fans the chance to see a true American factory team compete against the legendary names currently in F1.”
Andretti-Cadillac Gears Up for 2025
With GM’s support, parts are already being produced for Andretti-Cadillac, and wind tunnel testing at Toyota’s facilities in Cologne is progressing well. The team plans to launch as early as 2025, despite rule changes scheduled for 2026.
Michael Andretti is certainly pleased with the progress so far, emphasizing that “we are not underestimating the task.”
“Time is always pressing in F1. We have worked as quickly as possible to ensure we have as competitive a car and as strong a team as possible when we take our place on the grid. If we get the green light soon, we will be there by 2025.”
“It takes time to build competitive race cars. I’m very happy that we’ve already made so much progress on long-term activities like aerodynamic design and simulation.”
“Once again, we are not underestimating the task at hand.”
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