(Motorsports news) The American automaker General Motors has established a relationship with Andretti that it thinks would allow it to compete in Grand Prix racing as early as 2025. Despite the FIA’s approval on technical grounds, Andretti’s chances of gaining a seat in F1 are contingent on reaching a commercial agreement with FOM. Such a result is uncertain at present, with Grand Prix racing directors hesitant to add an 11th team to the F1 grid.
FOM is presently evaluating the financial ramifications of adding an extra team, and it has made it clear that it will only sanction another rival if it is beneficial to F1 as a whole. The appeal of having a large manufacturer like GM on board is evident for F1, but some have downplayed the significance of its Andretti alliance, claiming that if the current plan goes through, it could switch allegiance to another team.
But that possibility has been ruled out, with General Motors emphatic that it is only interested in assisting Andretti’s entry into F1. In an interview with the Associated Press, General Motors CEO Mark Reuss stated, “GM is committed to partnering with Andretti to race in F1. The collaboration between Andretti-Cadillac brings together two unique entities built for racing, both with long pedigrees of success in motorsport globally.”
The possibility of General Motors partnering with other teams has been mentioned multiple times in the F1 circuit, and F1 team principal James Vowles recently stated that his team would be open to the notion of such a manufacturer alliance. In response to the Andretti proposal, Vowles stated, “We’ve been clear from the start, we’re more than happy to bring in new entities, but the pie has to grow as a result of it, not shrink.” So far, it has only shrunk.
“Just to be clear, that’s not against Andretti or GM. Quite the contrary. “I welcome GM openly armed, and I hope to establish a relationship with them if things do not work out.” They are a wonderful entity that I believe will change the world of sport. When asked if Williams was actively seeking a partnership with General Motors, Vowles said, “No. My point is that an organization, such as GM, would be quite welcome in our sport.
“At this point, we would welcome them.” But they’re clearly connected to Andretti – it’s not a question, and we’re not in talks with them right now.” According to the Associated Press, GM plans to send senior executives to next week’s Las Vegas Grand Prix in the hopes of persuading FOM to sanction Andretti’s entry.
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