Andretti ‘strongly disagree’ with FOM reasons for F1 entry refusal

Andretti-Cadillac has stated that it “strongly disagrees” with the reasons behind Formula One Management (FOM) rejecting its proposal to enter the series in 2025.

Having opened up an Expression of Interest process to identify “one or more” new teams, the FIA confirmed last October that it had accepted Andretti’s submitted proposition.

However, Michael Andretti’s eponymous squad had been the subject of opposition from the incumbent teams, who were against the potential for a diluted prize pot.

The sport’s commercial rights holder announced today that it had turned down Andretti’s attempt to expand its motorsport presence into F1 from either 2025 or 2026.

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But FOM reasoned that it would be prepared to reconsider the submission come 2028 with the guarantee that General Motors would also enter as an engine manufacturer.

Andretti has become one of motorsport’s most synonymous brands, with the entity competing across a range of championships that includes both Formula E and IndyCar.

But while FOM accepted the view that “the Andretti name carries some recognition for F1 fans, our research indicates that F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around” it said in a statement.

FOM also cast doubt on the reliance that Andretti would be a “competitive participant” from the outset, particularly with a rules overhaul scheduled to be introduced in 2026.

That argument related to Andretti’s admission that it would require an initial customer supply of engines from a current manufacturer, touted to have been Renault.

Andretti and Cadillac have now responded to those claims with a combined statement where it proclaims that it will continue to work on its joint venture behind the scenes.

Nick Chester, Andretti’s Technical Director, had revealed it has poached personnel from current F1 teams and had plans to test a full-scale chassis model in a wind tunnel this year.

“Andretti Cadillac has reviewed the information Formula One Management Limited has shared and strongly disagree with its contents,” the statement began.

“Andretti and Cadillac are two successful global motorsports organizations committed to placing a genuine American works team in F1, competing alongside the world’s best. We are proud of the significant progress we have already made on developing a highly competitive car and power unit with an experienced team behind it, and our work continues at pace.

“Andretti Cadillac would also like to acknowledge and thank the fans who have expressed their support,” it added.

The 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, the father of Michael, took to social media to express that he had been left “devastated” by FOM’s decision to turn down the approach.