February 01, (THEWILL) – Legendary racing driver Mario Andretti was left crestfallen after Formula One dismissed Andretti Cadillac’s bid to join the grid in 2025. The governing body cited doubts over competitiveness and value-add as grounds for rejection. However, they indicated openness to revisiting an entry under General Motors’ works team status from 2028 onwards.
Andretti Cadillac is aiming to become the first US-based Formula One outfit since 1986. Despite gaining FIA approval, the Liberty Media-owned Formula One deemed the entry unsuitable. They suggested Andretti had more to gain than Formula One, sparking backlash from the racing icon. Teams had opposed expansion over revenue share and valuation concerns.
While crushing Andretti’s 2025 hopes, F1 said they would reconsider a GM works team entry. They believe the car manufacturing giant could strengthen F1’s presence in the key US market. F1 raised doubts over Andretti Cadillac’s readiness, saying building competitive cars from scratch is highly challenging.
Andretti Cadillac responded defiantly, stating they strongly disagree with F1’s claims. They affirmed commitment to bringing a genuine American works team to the grid. The setback has strained relations between F1’s commercial rights holder and the governing body, the FIA.
Despite the knockback, Andretti emphasised his racing dynasty will not give up on breaking into F1. With the door still open for GM in 2028, his American dream may prove too irresistible to continue to dismiss.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
