Andretti-Cadillac rejection gets new twist with alleged WhatsApp chats of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali
Andretti Cadillac's rejected bid received a massive update after Stefano Domenicali's incriminating WhatsApp chats were leaked.
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Stefano Domenicali (L), Michael Andretti (R) (images via IMAGO)
Andretti-Cadillac faced an extremely disappointing situation after being rejected to join the grid as the 11th team by F1. The outfit continued to attempt to make the sport reconsider the rejected bid, but all their efforts went in vain. However, amidst the ongoing season, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali‘s incriminating WhatsApp chats have surfaced online.
FIA had provided the green light to Andretti’s project but F1 and Liberty Media intervened and declined the bid. Amidst the rejection, the US Government stepped in and lodged multiple questions to the sport for the rejection. Following this, the investigation commission got their hands on some WhatsApp chat between Stefano Domenicali and the other team principals.
Multiple team bosses were against the idea of an 11th team on the grid in the form of Andretti. As per F1-insider, the chats contain some ‘illegal agreements’ between Domenicali and various other team principals. The sport could face massive charges if the investigation reveals further illegal activities and also would have to back down on the Andretti rejection if they lose the legal battle.
The investigation commission has evidence, collected through a WhatsApp group in which Domenicali and the heads of the F1 teams are present, which would demonstrate illegal agreements.
Ralf Bach from F1-insider noted
General Motors and Cadillac could join the F1 grid without Andretti
Andretti was suggested to join the grid after acquiring an existing team on the grid, effectively ditching General Motors and Cadillac. However, Michael Andretti and CO. reassured that they weren’t planning on ditching the American giants. Regardless, General Motors’ executive Director Eric Warren noted that the entities have been working on the F1 project for almost two years.
On the F1 side, been working on it two years, It’s a process. We’re developing heavily a power unit. We’re developing heavily the car. We will continue to go through the process. Had some positive meetings this past week.We’re not giving up on that one. We’ve made a commitment to enter. One way or another we’re going to be there.
Eric Warren said in an IndyCar conference
Multiple individuals in the sport have pointed out the negatives of Andretti-Cadillac’s potential entry on the grid. The addition of two more drivers might make the track more crowded than required. Hence, the sport is highly unlikely to reconsider its decision unless forced to by the US government following the recent fiasco.
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Aditya Pandya
(1439 Articles Published)