Andretti takes aim at F1 with Cadillac and General Motors
Andretti definitely does not let go. The American structure took the lead just days after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced that the international motorsport governing body wanted to attract new teams to Formula 1.
During a press conference this Thursday afternoon, Michael Andretti appeared before the media accompanied by an honored guest: General Motors (GM) President Mark L Reuss.
Andretti reiterated his desire to join Formula 1 in the near future. For him, The American group joins forces with Cadillac, one of GM’s flagships. The former IndyCar champion did not give a specific date, saying only that the team is aiming for the end. when it makes sense “.
” We continue to develop Andretti Global and its group of racing teams and look to the futureAndretti said. I think we are ready enough to form a new Formula 1 team. We believe we can add value to the discipline and its partners in addition to increasing fan interest.
I’m proud that GM and Cadillac are on our side in this. GM and Andretti share a heritage built on a love of motor racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our passion for motorsport and our commitment to innovation to build a truly American F1 project.
Together, we will continue to follow the procedures that the FIA applies as part of the evaluation process. We continue to prepare with optimism in the hope that Andretti Cadillac will be officially accepted as a Formula 1 team. “.
Two icons. A follow up. ?
Andretti Autosport is pleased to support news from Andretti Global and General Motors @Cadillactwo American powerhouses come together for a chance to compete @FIA @F1 World Championship.#CadillacVSeries #AllAndretti
— Andretti Autosport / #AllAndretti (@FollowAndretti) January 5, 2023
” General Motors is honored to partner with Andretti Global on this historic race dayMark Reuss added. We have a long and distinguished history in motorsport and engineering innovation. We are excited about the idea of creating an American Formula 1 team with Andretti Global. We believe this can create even more enthusiasm for discipline among fans.
Both Cadillac and F1 are global brands. Our company’s involvement in motor sports goes back more than a century. We are proud to have this opportunity to bring a sense of innovation and quintessentially American design to F1. “.
Andretti assured during the press conference that Colton Herta will be one of the designated drivers if given the green light by the authorities. The 22-year-old Californian has long been expected to enter Formula 1 with AlphaTauri in 2023, but he does not yet have a federal Super Licence, which is essential to compete in the Grand Prix.
The FIA was delighted, F1 less so
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who opened the door to the arrival of new teams with a simple tweet earlier in the week, naturally welcomed such an announcement.
” I am delighted to announce the partnership between Cadillac and AndrettiThe FIA president still reacted on Twitter. The FIA awaits further discussions as part of the Expression of Interest process.
I welcome the news @Cadillac and Follow @Andretti partnership and @FIA Looking forward to further discussions on FIA @F1 World Championship Expressions of Interest process pic.twitter.com/LQgbYDW0qM
— Mohammad Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) January 5, 2023
Today’s announcement highlights the popularity and growth of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in the USA. It is especially gratifying to see the interest in the sport from brands like General Motors Cadillac and Andretti Global.
Any new team would be eligible to join F1, subject to the adoption of the 2026 engine regulations by various manufacturers, which convinced Audi to join F1. (with Sauber from 2026, Ed). Any Expression of Interest will be issued under strict FIA protocol, which will take several months. “.
As for F1, by contrast, enthusiasm is more measured, if not completely absent.
” There is a lot of interest in F1 at the moment and many (others) conversations go on behind the scenes and are therefore invisible– said the spokesperson of the first category.
We want to make sure that the championship remains reliable and stable. All applications will be studied by various stakeholders against the criteria necessary to achieve these objectives.
Any new application must receive F1 and FIA approval “.
We could do with less excitement…
Once again, much to the chagrin of F1, it has taken the initiative as the FIA unveiled its 2023 F1 calendar.
Between the two instances, rags have been burning for some time and it is not the events of the last few days that will ease the tension…
Existing teams are not left out, as the vast majority (8 out of 10) oppose the entry of new teams for fear of seeing their share of Formula 1 revenue mechanically reduced.
To continue.
