New Zealand-based Rodin Cars has had its application to enter Formula 1 rejected by the FIA governing body. Among its many pledges, the company had planned to build its cars in New Zealand and wanted to reserve one of its two race seats for a female driver. The strongest candidate for this was due to be Jamie Chadwick who impressed in testing at Rodin’s facilities alongside Liam Lawson and Louis Sharp.

Rodin’s believes its fully functional prototype, FZero, is able to challenge Formula 1 lap times and would have pursued a potential collaboration with Ferrari on the F1 car.

Through its acquisition of established feeder series operator Carlin, Rodin already has skin in the game, with entries in F4, GB3, F3 and F2 and believed that its program offered a direct ladder to an F1 drive by competing in UK and European championships.

The FIA opened a formal application process in February for teams interested in joining in 2025, 2026 or 2027. However, Andretti Global is expected to be the only bid that will be put forward for consideration.

David Dicker, Founder of Rodin Cars said of the decision, “Unlike recent applicants, Rodin Cars is financially equipped to fully fund the Formula 1 program from the personal wealth of our founder. We appreciate the opportunity to have participated in the FIA process and extend our best wishes to Andretti for their successful bid. Rodin Cars remains committed to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and will continue to pursue excellence in the world of racing.”

Words: Mike Booth
Picture: Rodin Cars