Formula 1 could welcome an eleventh team from 2025, as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile – FIA for short – has given Andretti Formula Racing LLC the green light to join. But it remains unclear whether the US team will actually be allowed to take part in the World Cup. Now everything depends on Formula One Management (FOM).
Michael Andretti would like to follow in the footsteps of his father Mario, at least indirectly. He was extremely successful as a driver in Formula 1 in the past and even became world champion in 1978. Although Michael – now almost 61 years old – can no longer get into the cockpit himself, the American could be successful with his team Andretti Global or Andretti Formula Racing LLC. If Formula 1 allows the racing team.
And this is exactly what stands in Andretti’s way now that the FIA gave the US racing team the green light as the only remaining applicant on Monday. Andretti now has to come to an agreement with the FOM about the commercial rights, which was stipulated in the latest Concorde agreement between the ten existing teams.
The negotiations with Formula 1 are unlikely to be a sure-fire success. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali had repeatedly shown skepticism as to whether a new, eleventh team would bring enough “added value” for the premier class of motorsport. “Added value” here means more financial than sporting. Because if Andretti joined, the previous funds would suddenly have to be divided between eleven instead of ten teams.
So does Andretti have enough potential to increase revenue enough to justify entry? Open!
Andretti with Renault engine in Formula 1?
After all: Andretti has tried everything in recent years to prepare himself as best as possible for Formula 1. A brand new factory was built in Indianapolis and skilled workers were poached from existing teams and other areas. Strong brands such as the US car company General Motors and Cadillac were brought on board.
However, Cadillac would not provide the engines for the time being. This will only be possible from 2027, after the engine manufacturers have already been confirmed for 2026. That means: Andretti would probably use a Renault engine. The French manufacturer, which is active with the Alpine factory racing team, is currently without a customer team in F1.
After approval from the FIA, Andretti could join in 2025 at the earliest if Formula 1 also gives the green light. But it is more likely that it will start in the 2026 season.