The FIA have issued a clarification over the initial Expression of Interest deadline for potential new teams wishing to join the Formula 1 grid. In January, President Mohammed ben Sulayem launched the EOI process where those interested in joining Grand Prix racing could formally declare their interest and begin the application process. The first team to do so was an Andretti-Cadillac/General Motors bid , with boss Michael Andretti having lobbied hard over the past year to secure a berth on the grid for 2026. In the initial EOI documents, an apparent deadline of 17:00pm CET on Friday 17th February was set, with the process stating: 'The FIA will disclose the complete requirements for the formal application to candidates who have completed the preliminary application, within 48 hours from the submission of their initial expression of interest, or 17:00 CET on Friday 17 February, whichever is the latest.' However, F1's governing body has clarified that this is not the case after being approached by RacingNews365.
FIA issues clarification
"The process through which the FIA will assess the candidates is comprehensive and will include a significant analysis of the candidate's business plan, technical capability and resources," an FIA spokesperson told RacingNews365. "There is no deadline as such for the initial application, as prospective teams may require some time to prepare the initial package of information required by the FIA." As well as the Andretti bid, other hopefuls to join the F1 grid include Panthera F1 Team Asia, a Swiss-based outfit and an entry from Hitech Grand Prix who would step up from the junior categories. The formal deadline for applications is April 30th, with the FIA expecting to make a decision as to whether to grant any applicant a 2026 entry on June 30th. RacingNews365 understands that the FIA have already received a number of Expressions of Interest from candidate teams. The matter is expected to be discussed at the F1 Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday 21st February.
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