Will we get to see Andretti Cadillac Racing on the F1 Grid in 2026?

Andretti Cadillac Racing is fighting for it's right to become a part of the F1 grid in 2026.


Will we get to see Andretti Cadillac Racing on the F1 Grid in 2026?

Michael Andretti (via Sky Sports F1)

Andretti and General Motors will work together to realize the ultimate dream to establish an American team that will win a Formula 1 championship. Despite an unsuccessful 2021 attempt to acquire Sauber and opposition from F1 teams who claimed that an 11th team would reduce their revenue, team owner Michael Andretti has been urging the FIA, the sport’s governing body, to expand the 20-car grid. Andretti has continued to move forward with his plans despite these setbacks.

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In a positive turn of events Cadillac revealed that it will join Andretti Autosport in order to compete in Formula One when the 2026 rule changes come into play. General Motors would be Andretti’s engine and production partner. The team’s official entry will include GM brand Cadillac. Both parties would have their main offices in Indiana. Andretti Cadillac Racing would be the team’s name. While it all sounds like a fever dream, other teams on the grid are still not very supportive of their decision to enter.

“Well, we’re bringing one of the biggest manufacturers in the world with us now with General Motors and Cadillac.” Andretti had stated in the announcement, which marked the conclusion of four months of negotiations with General Motors. The American motorsport outfit claimed that the US based carmaker provides Andretti with the support that is required in order to cross off the requirements that other F1 teams have set. This is in order to see if the new entrants are serious about their F1 project and won’t back away after a few unsuccessful years.

Related: Andretti aims to “build a true American F1 bid” with General Motors through Cadillac in their pursuit to join F1 as the 11th team 

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FIA’s President enthusiastic response to Andretti Cadillac Racing

Michael Andretti and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Michael Andretti, the son of Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula One World Champion and the founder of the Andretti Global company, announced plans to enter the F1 with his own team and Indycar driver Colton Herta last year. However, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has only just opened the door to F1 by requesting expressions of interest from potential new teams. The announcement of the cooperation between Andretti and Cadillac had Mohammed Ben Sulayem ecstatic.

The FIA president wishes the discussions with the brands to go well. He responded favorably to the news. Despite a spokeswoman having already made clear that this cooperation does not ensure admission to Formula 1. The need for a new team on the grid and FIA President Ben Sulayem’s racing expertise were extensively discussed by Andretti during a conference call . The FIA President has stated that he would really want to see an additional team on the grid since. He understands the value of something in and of itself because he is a racer, according to Andretti.

On the other hand, only 2 out of the 10 teams on the 2023 F1 grid are supportive of their decision. The main reason being that they do not want to share their profits. Andretti’s decision to enter the pinnacle of motorsport has had a ripple effect. There has been an ongoing tension between the FIA and Formula 1 based on this topic itself. Things look quite uncertain for the American motorsport outfit with regards to the current situation between F1 and it’s governing body.

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