The Andretti name may return to the Formula 1 grid as soon as the 2025 season takes the green flag. On Monday, the FIA announced Michael Andretti and Andretti Global have cleared the first major hurdle to create a two-car Formula 1 team.
The FIA stated that Andretti Global — formerly known as Andretti Autosport until a rebrand in early September — meets all of the required criteria to join the grid.
“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in a statement. “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 GM . "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.”
As part of the criteria, Andretti had to prove its sustainability management will be line with :FIA’s ambition of achieving the sport's goals for net-zero by 2030.”
Now, the American-based Liberty Media, which owns Formula 1, will hear Andretti Global's case with General Motors' Cadillac. In January, Cadillac announced it was teaming up with Andretti with the intent of fielding at least one American driver in its entries.
“We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next,” Andretti, who competed in Formula 1 in 1993, said at the time. “I feel very strongly that we are 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.”
The Andretti bid was the only bid to reach the final stage of the FIA approval process. If Liberty Media approves Andretti’s additional two entries, the Formula 1 grid would expand to 22 cars.
“We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application,” Formula 1 said in a statement.
Andretti Global is one of the most successful ownership groups in American motor sports, operating teams in the NTT IndyCar Series, Indy NXT XT , Super Copa, Supercars, IMSA, Formula E and Extreme E.
The organization is also getting its feet wet in Nascar after major Andretti partner Gainbridge teamed up with Spire Motorsports this year. That deal included a Craftsman Truck Series race for Marco Andretti, Michael’s son.
If Formula 1 approves Andretti’s entry, it will be the second American team to be on the grid alongside Haas F1 Team. Currently, Formula 1 has an operating budget cap of $135 million per team each season.
