(Motorsports news) Michael Andretti’s venture, backed by General Motors brand Cadillac, is the most visible of those that responded to the FIA’s invitation for entries to build an 11th Formula One team. Formula 2 teams Hitech and Rodin Carlin had also submitted bids, as did the Asian start-up LKYSUNZ. With CEO Stefano Domenicali repeatedly emphasizing that an additional team is not needed unless it brings additional value, incumbent teams have been cold on the prospect of Andretti expanding its IndyCar and Formula E outfit into grand prix racing.

LKYSUNZ, Hitech, and Rodin Carlin have all been advised that their submitted information was insufficient for a favourable appraisal, albeit the FIA refused to confirm this when queried on Friday. “We are still in dialogue with the FIA,” stated LKYSUNZ CEO Benjamin Durand. But I can’t go into specifics right now because we’re bound by an NDA, which we honor.”

It is thought that LKYSUNZ submitted fresh documents in the expectation that the FIA would alter its evaluation, but this is not expected to happen because the FIA tender deadlines have past and the rejection is said to be definitive. At this time, it is unknown why LKYSUNZ, Hitech, and Rodin Carlin were rejected.

To gain a favorable verdict in the FIA application procedure, new teams must not only present sufficient financial resources, but also a plan for how the project will be environmentally friendly in order to attain net zero CO2 emissions by 2030. They also had to show how the initiative would have a good social impact, with staff diversity as a focus point.

LKYSUNZ plans to establish a headquarters in Southeast Asia, most likely in Malaysia’s greater Kuala Lumpur area, paving the path for whole new engineers and mechanics to enter F1.

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