(Motorsports news)The FIA has approved Andretti Cadillac’s entry into Formula One after a seven-month due diligence investigation. As a result, Andretti is the only one of the seven entities that have entered the race to be accepted by F1’s regulatory body. Following a thorough review of its bid, the FIA is certain that the American team has the financial and technological resources to compete in Formula One for the long term.
When may Andretti make its F1 debut?
If, against all chances, Andretti is given the go-ahead to launch an 11th F1 team, its precise appearance on the grid remains unknown. Michael Andretti stated his preference for a 2025 debut at the last United States Grand Prix, having already developed a 2023-spec mule vehicle that has been tested in the wind tunnel.
However, because Andretti and its supporters are eager to embrace an all-American identity, the time required to develop F1 infrastructure in the United States may make 2026 the more practical option. A significant regulatory change coming into effect in 2026 should also be considered. F1 will convert to all-new cars and hybrid power units that season, so deferring entrance by a year would be far more efficient than designing cars to two separate sets of regulations.
However, Haas, the most recent new team on the grid, arrived in 2016, 12 months before the historic switch to substantially different vehicles in 2017. A year to adjust to the grand prix atmosphere and improve operational efficiency has obvious advantages.
Who could drive in Formula One for Andretti?
Michael Andretti has made no secret of his intention to field at least one American driver, and has identified Colton Herta, his current IndyCar driver, as his favorite contender. At the age of 18, the Californian became the youngest IndyCar race winner in history. Since then, the 23-year-old has won six more races and has been a consistent leader, albeit Andretti has struggled to compete with Penske, Ganassi, and McLaren in recent seasons.
This has limited Herta to one fifth-place result and two tenth-place finishes in the championship, preventing him from obtaining the necessary F1 super licence to compete. Herta would need to win the 2024 IndyCar title to earn a super license in time for the start of the 2025 season, as only first place grants the required 40 points for F1.
There aren’t many alternatives for the American driver position. Josef Newgarden, the most recent Indy 500 champion, is firmly established at rival company Penske and appears unlikely to leave unless Roger Penske joins F1. Alexander Rossi has already had a taste of F1 with Manor and just switched from Andretti to McLaren. Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti’s most recent American signing, is a fascinating prospect, but the 25-year-old would struggle to obtain a super licence for the time being. Logan Sargeant, a current Williams driver, is one American super licence holder who could be available if Herta is unable to compete.
Andretti intends to pair Herta with an experienced driver in the second seat to learn from. At this point, it is unknown who this driver could be. Few current drivers appear to be willing to take a chance on joining a new entrant. However, by 2025 or 2026, numerous drivers may be out of contract or out of favor with their present teams, and Andretti may be able to provide them a lifeline to stay in F1.
Also read: Who are the new F1 fans, and how does the sport keep them?
