According to information from Motorsport.comthe transfer of control of the Andretti team by Michael Andretti does not sign the end of work on an arrival in Formula 1 by 2026, with recruitment continuing with the aim of achieving the manufacture of a chassis in the coming weeks.
A few days ago, Michael Andretti announced his departure from the head of the team that bears his name and which is currently involved in numerous motorsport disciplines around the world, including IndyCar and Formula E. The American, a former F1 driver, tried to enter the world championship, first through a takeover of Sauber then via a full candidacy, but each time he came up against a wall.
In October 2023, the FIA nevertheless gave its agreement to the project of arrival in Formula 1 by retaining the application presented during the call for tenders launched at the beginning of last year. However, it was the FOM itself which rejected this entry into the discipline due to doubts about its competitiveness or the added value it could bring.
This news was a hard blow for Andretti, who had already set up premises across the Channel and recruited staff. Despite this situation, and an about-face on the part of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on the matter, the American firm has always expressed its desire to continue this project, supported by General Motors via its brand Cadillac.
Photo de: Alexander Trienitz / Motorsport Images
As rumors emerged after Andretti’s departure as head of his team, sources told Motorsport.com that this was not a consequence of the failure to finish in F1 and that the project is still ongoing, with the hope of having authorization to race in 2026.
In order to prepare for this eventuality, operational functioning remains unchanged. Thus, there are now 260 people working full-time on the project, with recruitment continuing. Likewise, as the manufacturer is not yet limited by the regulatory aerodynamic restrictions imposed on current teams, work continues at a brisk pace in the Cologne wind tunnel.
At the same time, Andretti develops parts (such as the nose or the suspension triangles) and makes them pass FIA crash tests in the approved Cranfield center. The structure is also working on the suspension and braking systems and the roll bar. Andretti even hopes to have its first chassis available by January, well before the manufacturers currently involved in F1.
All that remains is to obtain a favorable decision from F1 to arrive as the 11th team. The withdrawal of Michael Andretti, who has had trouble with the authorities and the current team directors, could help to calm things down and facilitate the work of his successor, Dan Towriss.
With Ben Hunt
