(Motorsports news) The FIA has given Andretti permission to join the F1 grid as early as 2025, subject to a commercial agreement with FOM, which is far from guaranteed. Andretti intends to introduce the Cadillac name into F1, but the timetable makes it doubtful that it will have its own power unit available for several years. It implies that the American team would require a client arrangement for its initial incursion into F1.

This was supposed to be a supply of Renault engines, but it was revealed last week that the team’s pre-contract with the French manufacturer had already expired, and talks had not resumed. Because to this, Andretti is now without a firm engine contract.

Although F1’s current sporting laws are intended to ensure that no team is left without a power unit supply, there is significant controversy about whether or not a new entry is allowed the same benefit as present rivals of being guaranteed engines. Ben Sulayem, on the other hand, is certain that Andretti will be eligible for a supply beginning in 2025 or 2026, as the long-term goal is for General Motors/Cadillac to develop its own power unit.

“We are demanding that, and we will see that,” Ben Sulayem told selected media, on the possibility of a GM engine. “However, engines are not built in four or five years. At the beginning, Andretti will have to agree on one of two engines.” Andretti, according to Ben Sulayem, will be able to request a supply from one of the manufacturers providing the fewest client teams under Appendix 6 of F1’s Sporting Regulations.

For 2026, this is projected to be Honda and Alpine, both of which have only committed to provide one team. While Audi will also only produce items for its own works team, rules stipulate that new engine suppliers will be spared from needing to supply customers at first. Ben Sulayem stated unequivocally that the guidelines were explicit in assuring a supply for Andretti.

“It works that, with the rules, nobody can say no to them,” he went on to remark. “If all of the teams say no, the FIA has the authority to go on and say, the least two engine manufacturers being used, we put them in a draw, and we take one. It’s not a secret, and I’m sure it is either Alpine or Honda, and one of them would win because that is the rules.”

To ensure a customer supply from Alpine or Honda, Andretti would need to submit a request before June 1 of the year preceding its entrance. Despite Ben Sulayem’s opinion, others within F1 are skeptical that the laws are structured in such a way as to ensure supply to new teams. The scenario, according to Alpine interim team head Bruno Famin, is tricky, but his organization will fully comply with any verdict.

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