Michael Andretti has claimed the work being put in from the eponymous Formula 1 team and partner General Motors has the potential to equal Ferrari and Mercedes.
Andretti’s prospective entrant received acceptance from the FIA last October, but Formula One Management (FOM) failed to grant the American squad the green light.
FOM stated that it had cast doubt over Andretti’s potential to be a “competitive participant” from the outset in 2025/6 and the added value an 11th team would deliver.
However, FOM did add that it would consider Andretti’s application for 2028, providing it could guarantee that General Motors will arrive as a power unit manufacturer.
General Motors has recorded its interest to the FIA in becoming an F1 engine supplier with the construction of a Cadillac-branded powertrain that Andretti would use.
While it has been suggested GM could partner with another squad, Vice President of Performance and Motorsport Jim Campbell outlined its commitment to Andretti.
Asked whether Andretti was still confident GM was behind its F1 venture, Andretti told Speed City Broadcasting: “Very. Very committed, very excited.
“People will not understand until we show them the effort that’s been put in on both sides.
“This is going to be rival with the Ferraris and the Mercedes, you know, the effort that’s being put in with such a great company like GM.”
Michael was present at the Miami Grand Prix along with his 1978 World Champion father Mario as the pair continue to seek talks with F1 over its bid to enter in 2026.
“We’re trying to get more communication and see what we need to do to get in,” he added.
“We’re going to need some answers soon. But we have some things we’re working on and hopefully, we’ll get some answers soon.”
Andretti has pushed on with plans despite being referred, with the opening of a new headquarters at Silverstone and an increase in vacancies to expand its workforce.
When it was put to him that represented a risk considering that it had not been accepted, Andretti conceded: “Yeah, it’s a risk for sure.
“But I think it shows how much we believe in this, that we believe it’s great for Formula 1
and we think it’s great for American fans and to bring a company like General Motors into Formula 1, I think is huge.
“We just believe in it that much that we’re willing to roll the dice.”
The Andretti saga has taken another twist with the news that Members of the United States Congress have written to Liberti Media to obtain answers over the denial.
Michael Andretti clarified that such developments came as a “100 per cent surprise” but admitted that the support the prospective team has gained was appreciated.
“I stay out of that. I’m just here to build a team and that’s what I’m doing,” he added.
“But for sure, it’s great to have people like them looking at what’s going on and getting behind this.”
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