Andretti-Cadillac: The Prominent Contender Eyeing F1's 11th Team Spot
Jul.13 - Michael Andretti has hit back at existing Formula 1 teams who are opposed to the expansion of the grid to eleven teams.
The most visible and arguably qualified entrant currently waiting for Liberty Media and the FIA's decision amid a current tender process is Andretti-Cadillac.
But Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reiterated his opposition last weekend.
"Our position was very clear - buy a team," he said at Silverstone.
When asked if he agrees with that position, Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur added: "Yeah.
"We have a huge boom in Formula 1 now, but you have to keep in mind that a couple of years ago, when the crisis was there, the owners of the teams made a huge effort and the benefit is today," he said.
It is expected that the FIA will update the prospective entrants, including Andretti, about the status of their applications on July 15.
Former F1 driver Michael Andretti, whose racing empire is present in Indycar, Formula E and elsewhere, said the 11th team is the only way he can enter Formula 1.
"We have contacted all the teams, but no one is interested," he told reporters at the Extreme E race in Sardinia, according to France's Auto Hebdo.
"They keep saying 'buy a team', but nobody wants to sell. They are not even interested in a discussion."
And so, the 60-year-old American says he is putting his trust in F1's authorities.
"In the end, the teams are not the ones who will make the decision," Andretti said. "It will be up to F1 and the FIA to decide if they think us coming in is a good thing."
He also hit back at suggestions that General Motors and Cadillac are only being associated with the Andretti bid in order to get it over the line.
"People try to say 'they're just putting their name on it', but it's not like that. They are an integral part of the team," Andretti said.
And so, if there are two Andretti-Cadillac cars on the grid as soon as 2025, the identity of at least one of the drivers is already clear - Colton Herta.
"Colton is part of the project," Andretti confirmed. "He is still so excited to join us, and I would love for him to be involved in this category.
"He's tested the McLaren and did very well. I'd like him to be the first competitive American in F1 for a long time."
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One thing is FACT. If the Andretti deal with all of the organization, effort, rep and money is refused, there will be zero additions to the grid near term. Andretti's hole card is Liberty being a US corp. Is that enough?
I've heard is a done deal Ror, you will get your wish in "25
Would be great to have a real US team in F1! Bring it on FIA!
It would be very positive for a team based in and funded from America to be part of the F1 Championship.
Apart from the days when the Indianapolis 500 was part of the F1 World Championship, I can't recall any true American team competing in F1. They are certainly present in the WEC, so I guess F1 is the next step! We have had American F1 Champions, although driving in European teams.
I'll vote for Andretti / GM to be included! As long as they leave the glitter, so-called "celebrities" and would-be-if-they-could-be's at home and out of sight!
Existing teams should have no right to stop them