Formula One Rejects Andretti-Cadillac Bid for 2025/2026 Entry, Leaves Door Ajar for 2028

Formula One has officially declined the joint bid from Andretti and Cadillac to enter the championship in either 2025 or 2026, citing concerns beyond just the logistics of the engine. The decision, made on Wednesday, maintains the F1 grid at 10 teams and 20 drivers for the next four years.

Andretti and Cadillac had formed a technical partnership and gained approval from the governing FIA last year, with a proposed reliance on a short-term Renault engine deal. However, F1 rejected the project in its current form but expressed the possibility for Andretti to join in 2028 if General Motors proceeds with its plan to develop its own F1 power unit.

The rejection comes amid opposition from existing teams, with accusations of greed and concerns about dilution of prize money. F1 emphasized doubts about Andretti’s competitiveness with a customer deal and questioned the feasibility of being ready to race by 2025.

The decision, shaped by the majority of the 10 existing teams’ opposition, marks a setback for Andretti-Cadillac, despite their efforts to assemble a competitive team. The outfit has enlisted notable names in the racing world, including former Renault technical chief Nick Chester, and set up bases in Silverstone and Indianapolis. Testing has also taken place in Toyota’s Cologne wind tunnel with a model designed to current regulations.

Despite these preparations, skepticism within F1 surrounds the logic of joining the grid in 2025, just before significant regulation changes set for the 2026 season. The rejection underscores the complexities and challenges faced by new entrants seeking approval in the highly competitive world of Formula One.