Andretti's F1 Dream: GM Powers 2026 Entry Bid

Andretti’s 2026 Formula 1 entry gains momentum with GM backing, as rumors swirl ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix announcement.

An eleventh Formula 1 team is on the verge of entering the grid! A major announcement is expected, possibly as early as today during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with increasingly persistent rumors circulating.

As reported a few days ago, Andretti Global is undergoing restructuring, and recruitment efforts have resumed.

The new team is likely to be built on this foundation but may operate under a different name, still tied to General Motors and Cadillac.

This 2026 debut appears to be a forced move driven by ongoing U.S. investigations into Liberty Media, which had previously rejected Andretti’s entry, unlike the FIA.

During today’s press conference, Toto Wolff addressed the latest developments. The teams, he noted, opposed a new competitor that would not bring added value to the championship, a stance he still supports.

“We have a legal obligation, as directors, to act in the best interests of our business and employees, and we’ve done that in the past. I believe if a team can contribute to the championship, especially if GM decides to enter as a team owner, that’s a different story.”

“As long as it’s additive—meaning it boosts the sport’s popularity and revenue—no team will oppose it. I hold out hope for that. No one from Andretti or Andretti Global, or whatever the name may be, has ever presented to me a single creative aspect of their proposal.”

“But they don’t have to because the teams don’t make the decision. That lies with the commercial rights holder and the FIA; we have no say. We can express opinions, like the one I’m sharing now. It’s like being invited to a party—when you attend, you need to sit at the table, explain who you are, why you’re fun, and ensure everyone enjoys your presence.”

“That didn’t happen, but you know, this is now my personal point of view, not a professional one, because there’s nothing we can do, nothing we can say. And I don’t know the people. I obviously spoke to Mario Andretti. Yes, I spoke to Mario once. I haven’t spoken to his son. I haven’t spoken to anyone else behind this. I don’t know who they are. But I know GM. GM is great.”

Vasseur added: “Ultimately, I’m not sure we even have a say in the matter. The discussion is between the FIA, the team, and the FOM. It’s not our choice. Of course, as Toto said, if it’s good for the sport, for the spectacle, for the business, and adds value on a sporting level, then we’re all fine with it. But again, the decision lies with the FOM, not with Toto, myself, or Ollie.”

Oliver Oakes concluded: “I think they’ve covered everything. I also think the FOM has been quite transparent in its decision and in the value that needed to be brought.”