Andretti bid to join F1 in 2026 rejected

Andretti’s bid to join the Formula 1 grid in the next two years has been rejected, despite earlier approval from the FIA governing body.

Whilst there is potential for Andretti to be accepted in 2028, key stakeholders in F1 analysed the initial proposal and concluded that an 11th team wouldn’t add value. It was also felt that Andretti would not be competitive on the grid.

Mario Andretti, a legend of Formula 1, and his son Michael were left “devastated” by the decision, although the 2028 application will contain a significant difference, as partner General Motors - through its Cadillac brand - plans to build its own F1 engine ready for that season. F1 said it would "look differently on an application for the entry of a team into the 2028 championship with a GM power unit, either as a GM works team or as a GM customer team designing all allowable components in-house.”

Andretti Global currently competes in Formula E and won the 2022-23 driver’s championship with Jake Dennis. In IndyCar, the team has won the Indy500 six times and IndyCar Series championship four times.

Of course, the Andretti name carries a large amount of respect in the world of motorsport. Mario Andretti has a tremendous amount of pedigree, having raced in F1 from 1968 to 1982, winning 12 races and one world championship in 1978. His son Michael, the current Andretti team owner, won the 1991 CART Championship.

However, F1 argued that while the Andretti name was potentially an interesting addition, “F1 would bring value to the Andretti brand rather than the other way around.”

There was also objection from the current F1 teams, who worried that their teams’ prize money would be lessened with Andretti’s entry in 2026.

Michael Andretti during practice for the 1993 British Grand Prix

words: Mike Booth
picture: Steve Grant & Martin Lee