F1: Andretti Global and Cadillac announce team plan

Andretti Global and Cadillac announce a new partnership in a bid to enter the F1 world championship.

The two American brands will join together in an attempt to enter F1 in the future, which is most likely to be in 2026. The team would be based in the USA with a support facility in the UK. The Andretti Cadillac team plans to submit an Expression of interest to the FIA.

F1 has seen a huge rise in popularity since 2019 due to the launch of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. In 2023, three of the 23 races will be held in America, with the addition of Las Vegas.

Last year, Michael Andretti filled in an application to enter the championship for the 2024 season, with Renault. This entry was unsuccessful, with some team principals, such as Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur, against the entry.

The Andretti Cadillac team would be the second American team to join F1 with the likes of the HAAS. Since HAAS joined F1 in 2016, they have had a tough time, with a best of fifth in the 2018 standings.

Andretti Autosport has massive motorsport history, most notably in the American open-wheel series, IndyCar. The American team have five Indianapolis 500 victories and four IndyCar championships, and many victories in the previously named CART series.

Cadillac has constantly been growing its involvement in motorsport, with its involvement in IMSA and the launch of its WEC program. Since 2017 the American car brand has achieved great results with the Cadillac DPi-V.R. 

Michael Andretti, Chairman and CEO, of Andretti Global, said: “We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next. I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans

“I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal. GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid.  

“Together, we will continue to follow procedures and steps put forth by the FIA during the evaluation process. In the meantime, we continue to optimistically prepare should we be fortunate enough to have Andretti Cadillac formally approved as a Formula One contender.” 

Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, added:  “General Motors is honoured to team with Andretti Global on this historic moment in racing. We have a long, rich history in motorsports and engineering innovation, and we are thrilled with the prospect of pairing with Andretti Global to form an American F1 team that will help spur even more global interest in the series and the sport. 

“Cadillac and F1 both have growing global appeal. Our brand has a motorsports pedigree that’s more than a century in the making, and we would be proud to have the opportunity to bring our distinct American innovation and design to F1.” 

Image from Andretti