The FIA has given the OK to Andretti Formula Racing’s application as an F1 team, however, the agreement of Liberty Media and teams is still required for the American outfit to arrive on the grid. Four teams lodged applications, including Rodin Cars in New Zealand, but Andretti’s was the only one deemed worthy of progressing further.
Following the call for expressions of interest in February, the FIA applied what it called “a robust process of due diligence”, during which the applicants were assessed on sporting and technical ability, and the ability of the team to raise and maintain sufficient funding to allow participation in F1 at a competitive level.
Its selection criteria also included sustainability management and also required teams to illustrate how they intend to achieve a positive societal impact through participation in the sport.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the expressions of interest procedure. Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport.
“The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the expressions of interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application would proceed to the next stage of the application process. In taking that decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with EU directives on motorsport participation and development.
“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission. I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.
“The expressions of interest process builds on the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations among existing OEMs which has also attracted further commitment from Audi, Honda and Ford and interest from Porsche and General Motors.
“I would like to thank all of the FIA team members involved in the expressions of interest process for their tireless efforts in ensuring a diligent assessment of all of the applications received.”
