Official: Pat Symonds Joins Andretti's F1 Ambition

Andretti Global has appointed ex-F1 technical director Pat Symonds as an executive engineering consultant to bolster their Formula 1 entry project.

Andretti Global is continuing to bolster its F1 project with Cadillac, reaffirming its ambitions to secure a spot on the grid in the coming years. The team has announced the appointment of Pat Symonds, who previously served as Formula 1’s technical director.

Symonds, renowned for his tenure as Renault’s technical director during Fernando Alonso’s championship wins in 2005 and 2006, will become an executive engineering consultant for Andretti Global. His role will be pivotal in preparing the American team for its Formula 1 entry.

Before starting his new role, Symonds will observe a period of ‘gardening leave’, a mandatory notice period before joining the team. As F1’s technical director since Liberty Media’s acquisition, Symonds oversaw the development of the 2022 Technical Regulations.

He has also supervised the upcoming 2026 regulations, set to be unveiled next month. Symonds will be based at Andretti’s recently opened Silverstone facility near the circuit (pictured below), where the team is gearing up for its Formula 1 debut.

Currently, the FOM and existing teams have denied Andretti’s entry, arguing the team adds no value to the championship. However, the involvement of Cadillac as an engine supplier is expected to strengthen Andretti’s case for a future grid spot.