Negotiations have been going on for months but finally There seems to be a turning point in the Andretti-Cadillac case entry in Formula 1. The final decision on the future of the team, which would be added to the existing ones, should have arrived in June. However, the deadline was pushed back to allow new teams more time.
A delicate choice
The leaders of the current teams have already expressed their opinion on the issue. Most of these were against the entry of new teams. However, the FIA has always stated that it cannot deny access to teams with all the credentials to enter. Which is why Andretti immediately moved to ally itself with General Motors and Cadillac, thus proposing a valuable candidacy. At the moment, by regulation, Formula 1 can welcome 12 teams. The FIA seems willing to trust other teams, especially those coming from the US market. However, the commercial counterpart, F1 and Liberty Media are not of the same opinion. "There are already 10 great teams in F1 and the bar is really high for those who want to enter." said Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, during a conference call with investors. The commitment of the new teams may therefore not be enough.
The verdict in September
The discussions with the FIA do not appear to have stopped, e.g the next deadline, as reported by Stefano Domenicali – has been set for September. There is therefore less than a month left until the verdict, provided that a point of agreement is found between the FIA and F1. “From our point of view, we are just following the procedures – explains Mario Andretti to RacingNews365. "We did everything and now it's in their (FIA and Formula 1) hands".
"Right now we're waiting, but we should know something soon. There is no specific timeline, but we were told early September. Arriving in Formula 1 in 2025 would not only be advantageous, but also a key factor. It's something that has been strongly proposed and I think it makes sense. We were originally aiming for 2024, however as the process dragged on it became clear that 2025 was more feasible. As for the pilots, I can say with certainty that there will be an American pilot and another expert".
Andretti also took the opportunity to respond to the latest statements of Helmut Marko, who advised the Andretti family to acquire an existing team, namely Alpine. "We are obviously open to any opportunity, but regarding the purchase of a team the alternatives have already been explored“. That was the easiest way to get in but no one wants to sell. Andretti remains the most difficult road to take, a road that faces a major obstacle, namely the interests of the FIA and F1. Who will have won?
Source statements: FormulaPassion
