FIA Approves Andretti Autosport’s Bid to Enter Formula One

GM-backed Andretti Cadillac is one step closer to become the 11th team on Formula One grid!

Renowned American motorsport firm Andretti Autosport has had its bid to become the 11th constructor in Formula One (F1) approved by the FIA. Backed by Cadillac and General Motors (GM), Andretti has submitted an official Expression of Interest (EOI) to join F1 under the Andretti Cadillac name back in January this year.

Of all the four applicants who submitted an interest to enter the F1 grid, only Andretti received an official backing from the world’s motorsport governing body. While its application has been approved, Andretti and GM’s road to the pinnacle of motorsport is still far ahead, as the firm now must seek approval from both F1’s corporate entity and each of the 10 current F1 teams.

While FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem (left) has approved Andretti's bid, the American racing outfit is still pending approval from F1's corporate entity, led by its CEO Stefano Domenicali (right)

While both FIA and its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have been mooting the idea of an eleventh F1 team on the grid since earlier this year, such a campaign was not received well within the F1 paddock. This might stall the firm’s plan to enter the F1 grid as early as 2025, which is one season prior to the major technical regulations change.

The Andretti Cadillac F1 bid is headed by American racing legend Michael Andretti (left), who is the son of Formula One royalty Mario Andretti (right)

Leading the Andretti Cadillac’s bid is Andretti Autosport chairman and CEO Michael Andretti, who also happens to be the son of Formula One legend Mario Andretti – one of the few Americans who clinched the F1 World Drivers’ Championship title.

Under the Andretti Cadillac plan, the team will be based mainly in the US, with a support facility located in the UK – the similar setup used by current US-based outfit Haas F1 Team. As for its powertrain, Andretti Cadillac would use an engine supplied by a third party but with technical support from both Andretti and GM.

Current Andretti IndyCar drivers Romain Grossjean (left) and Colton Herta (right) are the two leading candidates for Andretti Cadillac's F1 seats

As for the drivers’ and management lineup, the firm has yet to finalise them for now, with the firm saying they would prioritise the appointment of at least one American driver. Currently, Andretti’s IndyCar lineup is packed with talented drivers, including Formula One alum Romain Grossjean, as well as IndyCar stalwart Colton Herta, who is also the youngest driver to ever win an IndyCar race.

Aside from Andretti Cadillac, Audi will also be part of the F1's grid later in 2026

Should Andretti’s bid come into fruition, the F1 grid would see two new faces during the 2026 season, with Audi becoming the latest addition to the grid. The German automaker will replace Alfa Romeo as the face for the Swiss-based outfit Sauber from the 2026 season onwards.

The F1 technical partnership merry-go-round sees Honda exiting Red Bull for Aston Martin, with Ford entering the foray as Red Bull's new technical partner.

While Cadillac and GM’s bid to enter F1 has yet to be finalised, another American outfit and GM’s local rival Ford has already got its bid approved, as it will be the official technical partner for the reigning F1 World Constructors’ champion Red Bull later in 2026. This new partnership also sees RB’s current technical partner Honda to team up with Aston Martin from 2026 onwards.