F1 pundit claims Andretti-Cadillac a ‘political element’ in friction between FIA and FOM

Andretti-Cadillac‘s bid to join the grid as the 11th team was rejected by Formula One Management (FOM) despite promising prospects. This decision was met with immense backlash from fans and critics. Since then, Andretti has been trying to convince the FOM to reconsider the entire bid and allow the entry of the 11th team. F1 pundit Craig Slater has shared his opinions on the entire matter.

Andretti-Cadillac refuses to give up on joining the grid as the 11th team. This was evident as the constructor built their own factory in Silverstone despite being rejected. Additionally, Andretti reached an employee count similar to the Haas F1 team in the pinnacle of motorsport. Craig Slater noted that despite the green flag from FIA, the team had to reverse the arguments of ‘not adding value’ to the sport.

They got the go-ahead from the FIA, but they believe they can still reverse the arguments that they would not add value to sport, as F1 said.

Craig Slater said on the podcast of the British satellite (H&T: formulapassion.it).

Additionally, Slater mentioned that the team didn’t want to make a new team and engine debut altogether and risk failing. Apart from this, Andretti was aware of the ‘political element’ that the team had become. The reason is that the constant friction between FIA and FOM with Andretti has caused such a situation for the team.

They don't want to make a new team and a new engine debut at once and they are aware that they have become a sort of political element in the frictions between Formula 1 management and the FIA governing body.

Craig Slater noted.

Andretti-Cadillac positive they can still convince the leaders of FOM

Andretti-Cadillac will try to come close to the bottom order of the team in terms of employment and facility. Slater mentioned that the constructor wanted to reach at least 400 employees before considering an entry in Formula 1. The Briton pointed out that he had behind-the-scenes conversations with people at Andretti regarding the entire fiasco.

Additionally, Slater added that the behind-the-scene conversation helped him learn that the team was still confident regarding their chances. The people at Andretti are positive that they can still convince the leaders of FOM to reconsider the bid. Hence, the team might look at their options to enter the grid with General Motors by 2028.

They want to reach 400 employees and with the cameras off some interesting discussions with the people involved in the project they made me understand that they still believe they can convince the leaders of FOM.

Craig Slater mentioned.

Hence, Andretti-Cadillac would continue to fight out the battle to join the grid. Multiple people on the grid suggested the constructor acquire another existing team. However, the American constructor remains keen on joining the grid as a new entrant. Time will tell about how the entire situation pans out for the promising-looking team in Formula 1.

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