'We've done everything asked of us,' says Andretti, as door opens to new F1 teams

“We’ve done everything that was asked of us and, so far, we’ve delivered,” says Mario Andretti in the March 2023 issue of Motor Sport.

“We are honest in our approach and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to reach our goal, that’s what drives us. It’s what we love, and that’s not gonna change.

“All along there have been headwinds but you have to have the resolve, the relentless pursuit of your goal, and there’s always the opportunity to succeed.

“A lot of things have been discouraging, but there’s encouragement. The support from the fans, the people who love the sport, has been so strong.”

Andretti was speaking before today’s announcement of a formal application process for new F1 teams, which could see two join the grid as early as 2025.

Prospective teams must submit their application to racing’s governing body, the FIA, by the end of April and a decision is due to be taken by the end of June, although any new entrant will require the approval of Formula One Management (FOM), which controls the commercial rights.

It is this element that has been a barrier for Andretti, with FOM facing resistance from some current teams. They are reluctant to welcome a newcomer that will be eligible for a share of the F1 profits that is currently split between ten of them.

Although new entrants must currently pay $200m to help compensate for diluting the profit pool, F1’s rising revenues mean that teams are valuing themselves more highly, making the price too cheap in certain eyes.

“I don’t dwell on the negatives,” says Andretti. “Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion. Sometimes, honestly, I ask myself, ‘Do we really need this?’ – and the answer is yes, we do, we actually do.”

“Michael’s team has already invested heavily in this project, without any assurances, so they have a lot to lose if F1 decides they don’t want us but they need to prepare so they don’t have to start from scratch.”

Given that a place on the 2025 grid could be available, Andretti Global’s headstart could be invaluable.

In its call for expressions of interest, the FIA revealed that it would be assessing prospective teams’ technical resources, their funding, staffing and the value that they can bring to the championship, in addition to equality, diversity and “societal benefit” considerations.

With the growth in US F1 support providing extra marketing opportunities, General Motors’ heft and cash, as well as already having been in close contact with the FIA, Andretti clearly believes that all boxes are ticked and it would be little surprise to see its application arrive as soon as submissions can be accepted, and well ahead of the April 30 deadline.

“The new FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, really understands the importance of growth,” says Andretti. “He respects us, he understands our resolve, and if we meet the prerequisite requirements we will be welcome.

“We’re not asking for any favours. We’re bringing something to the party”.

By June 30 this year, the FIA plans to make its decision on applications, but warns that nothing is guaranteed. “No new applicant has an automatic right of entry to the championship,” it states. “In the event that no applicant is considered suitable by the FIA and/or by the F1 commercial rights holder, no new F1 team(s) will be selected.”