(Motorsport) Andretti have been lobbying to be a part of Formula 1 for many years and received a major boost after they partnered with General Motors for Cadillac’s entry into the competition. Both the F1 and FIA have welcomed their potential entry, which if accepted will not take place before 2026. US racing legend Michael Andretti tried buying Sauber last year but the deal fell through and a possible takeover was met with reluctance by Formula 1’s power brokers who believed that the project would not add value to the sport.

Andretti then went on to partner with General Motors for Cadillac’s entry, much to FIA’s satisfaction as both are iconic brands. However, there has been much opposition from existing Formula 1 teams about the possible entry of an 11th team on the grid, especially since it would further dilute the revenue streams that are shared between the existing 10 teams. Every newcomer has to pay a $200m anti-dilution fee but F1 bosses are now asking for a figure closer to $600-700m for entry into Formula 1.

Michael Andretti’s decision to keep the base of operations in America rather than Europe has also raised eyebrows despite him saying that their facility in Fishers, Indiana, will be “one of the most advanced racing facilities in the world when it’s completed”. Andretti raced with McLaren (partnering with Senna) in 1993 after abandoning his IndyCar career despite being a front runner but was sacked after three races due to his performances. At that time, his decision to remain in the United States rather than relocate in Europe was given as a major factor in his failure, a mistake that some figures in Formula 1 think he is making once again.

For many in Formula 1, Cadillac doesn’t represent a genuine and committed manufacturer entry as the brand is known for its luxury rather than sporting prowess. They have justified their belief by saying that Jaguar and Toyota have failed in Formula 1 in the 2000s.

However, insiders have pointed out that while the team will be named Cadillac (a strategy that will help the brand get good publicity) the engines will be supplied by Renault. Their approach seems similar to Alfa Romeo’s title sponsorship deal with Sauber but there is a belief that Andretti might not be up to the task to run a professional Formula 1 team.

Andretti intends to bring in at least one American racer if their entry to Formula 1 is accepted, which could potentially be Colton Herta. The 22 year old was on the verge of joining Formula 1 this season but missed out due to a lack of super licence points in IndyCar.

“We definitely have a plan to have an American driver,” Andretti said. ” I think you all know who is leading the pack on that one. Colton we have under contract right now in IndyCar. We want to make this an all-American effort to make sure we have an American driver in the seat.” As things stand, Logan Sargeant is the only American driver in the F1 grid (racing for Williams) and the first since Alexander Rossi in 2016.

Also read: Andretti partners with General Motors for Formula 1 entry bid