Michael Andretti's long-held ambition to have his eponymous squad racing in Formula 1 is a step closer with the news that a joint entry bid is being prepared with General Motors. It was announced on Thursday that Andretti Autosport and GM brand Cadillac are set to pursue an entry to Grand Prix racing, days after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated the intention to start an 'Expressions of Interest' process. Andretti, himself a former F1 racer with McLaren in 1993, believes the team would add value to the championship - something echoed by Ben Sulayem, but the official F1 response was a little more cautious and certainly not as glowing. Audi are also set to enter F1 in time for the 2026 season - but here's when and how Andretti Autosport are planning to do the same.
When will Andretti and General Motors enter?
F1 is set for a major rules overhaul for the 2026 season that has attracted Audi, briefly entertained Porsche and has re-awoken Honda's interest in Grand Prix racing - Max Verstappen and Red Bull's success aside. The last team to enter F1 was the other American outfit in Haas, whose original 2015 entry was delayed to '16, a year before the huge aerodynamic reset that led to bigger cars. When asked by RacingNews365.com in a press conference, Andretti said he wasn't sure when the team would be on the grid, should it be accepted. "We don't know yet exactly when [we will enter]," explained Andretti. "It is going to depend on how long the Expression of Interest takes and where we are at the time - but we are going to be on track as soon as it all makes sense to be on track." However, despite the non-committal towards a date, Andretti further explained that he felt the FIA, under Ben Sulayem's leadership, would accept the entry proposal. "The president has definitely shown that he really would like to have an 11th team on the grid at least," he said. "He is a racer so understands the importance of it for the series itself. "We feel very confident that once the expression of interest goes out - especially having a great partnership with Cadillac - we have a very, very, very good shot at checking every box and being able to be on the grid soon."
What power units will Andretti run?
In IndyCar, Andretti are powered by Honda engines and, with the Japanese firm being involved in discussions for the 2026 power units, a link up would be the most logical solution, although a deal with Renault had also been mooted. "We have a signed agreement with a power unit supply to begin with," said General Motors President Mark Reuss when questioned by RacingNews365.com. "Then as we move forward, we'll bring a lot of our expertise to create things for the future as well." GM has a long-standing relationship with Honda - particularly when it comes to Electric Vehicles, with Reuss praising the manufacturer. "Obviously we do have a large partnership with Honda with EVs, and we also compete against Honda in series like IndyCar (through the Chevrolet brand). "So we do have that natural respect and relationship - which is not problematic at all, but we'll talk about the engine at a later date."
Where will the team be based?
Andretti confirmed his intention to base the team at the huge new complex under construction in Fishers, Indiana. They would follow the Haas model of being based in the United States (Kannapolis, North Carolina) with an outpost in Europe - where the other nine teams are all fully located. "Our main headquarters will be here in the United States, in Fishers, where we announced our facility which is going to be one of the most advanced racing facilities in the world when it is completed," said Andretti. "We will have a satellite shop over in Europe as well because we will be running more than just Formula 1 in Europe - we will be in other series as well, so we're going to have a big headquarters over there."
Most read
