Has F1 been pushed to the corner by Andretti-Cadillac’s power unit announcement?

Formula 1 is running out of reasons to discard Andretti-Cadillac's F1 bid.

Has F1 been pushed to the corner by Andretti-Cadillac’s power unit announcement?

A representative image for Andretti-Cadillac (Via Sky Sports F1)

General Motors has dropped a bombshell with the announcement of its F1 Power units program. The American auto giant will make its own power units from 2028 for the proposed Andretti-Cadillac F1 team. Michael Andretti‘s dream F1 project has faced backlash from FOM and the existing teams. However, this announcement might turn the tide.

F1 and the current 10 teams have opposed Andretti-Cadillac. The teams argue that an eleventh team would hamper the commercial revenue and benefits of the present grid. Moreover, team bosses have argued that Andretti would not bring enough to the sport that could justify taking this hit financially.

However, Formula 1 has always been interested in GM’s involvement. So much so, that it was alleged that FOM tried to persuade the carmaker to join the sport with an existing team instead of Andretti. Although, the carmaker had made it clear that it would remain committed to Michael Andretti’s bid.

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Now, GM’s plans to officially become a power unit supplier in 2028 have changed the entire scenario. F1 has been vocal about bringing in power unit manufacturers with the new regulations. The carmaker has finally ticked this box that would make Andretti-Cadillac a proper works team.

Will F1 say no to Andretti-Cadillac despite GM’s own power units?

Andretti-Cadillac has received the FIA’s approval to enter the pinnacle of motorsport. However, the American entry has yet to come to terms with FOM for a commercial agreement. The sport has been rumored to be opposing Andretti’s bid for some time now. Although, GM’s power unit announcement will make things more complicated.

Michael Andretti (image via IMAGO)
Michael Andretti (image via IMAGO)

The sport is running out of reasons to reject Andretti-Cadillac. Michael Andretti’s bid now brings another power unit manufacturer to F1. This would increase the number of manufacturers to seven in 2028. Moreover, Andretti would be the second American team on the grid and is likely to bring in American drivers to the sport. This would certainly boost F1’s prospects in the US, which is a priority market for the sport.

Now, if F1 tries to make a case against the entry of the team, many would believe that it was the greed of the sport and the existing teams that led to such a decision.

As such, it seems that Andretti-Cadillac is now ticking all the boxes for an eleventh team in F1. GM’s commitment to the project has substantially increased the attractiveness of Andretti’s bid. However, Formula 1 can still decide against approving the all-American team. Though, this could certainly cause massive backlash from fans.

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