Michael Andretti expresses optimism that the FIA will approve his organization’s application to join the Formula 1 grid.
The latest development in the Andretti-Cadillac saga is that the Spanish sports daily Marca reports that the former McLaren driver met with Renault CEO Luca de Meo at the Canadian GP recently.
Existing teams are hesitant to welcome an eleventh or twelfth competitor to the grid in 2025 or 2026, and Andretti claims that none of them are even interested in discussing a potential team acquisition.
Andretti’s Formula E team, Avalanche Andretti, has just concluded the all-electric series’ latest world championship in London.
When asked in London by Speed Week about the progress of preparations for the F1 project, he responded, “I am constantly updated by our project managers.”
“Everything is on schedule with the construction of the new headquarters in Fishers, Indiana. We hope to move there from our old base by the end of 2024,” Andretti added.
“The investment is significant, and we want to establish our North American projects there as well as our Formula 1 team. Our first car will be built in Europe, but then in Indiana.
“We’re going to have the first US-built Formula 1 car.”
Regarding the approval for an Andretti team in F1, he said, “Yes, I’m optimistic about that. I hope the FIA will clarify this in the next few weeks. In any case, we are preparing at full speed. We currently have 25 employees, and the number is constantly growing.”
The potential green-light for the team hinges on the backing of General Motors and Cadillac, who Andretti insists is also “working at full speed” on F1, even if a re-branded customer Renault engine deal is initially expected.
“They’re really getting into it,” Michael, who was Ayrton Senna’s teammate for part of 1993 and is the son of former world champion Mario Andretti, said when asked about Cadillac.
Regarding the potential driver lineup, Andretti has consistently said that his Indycar driver, Colton Herta, is part of the F1 project.
Alex Palou, who currently drives for Indycar rival Ganassi, is also on Andretti’s radar.
“I have not the slightest doubt that Alex and Colton are ready for Formula 1,” he said. “I would immediately put both of them in a Formula 1 car.
“Lando (Norris) used to be Colton’s teammate, and they were at the same level. Now if you look at Lando in Formula 1, you know what Colton could do as well.”
