The Andretti Cadillac team has passed Phase 2 of the Formula One selection process and proceeded to the third and final phase, referral to Formula One Management or FOM for “commercial discussions.”
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile or FIA announced its decision and congratulated the Andretti Cadillac team on being the only one of four leading applicants to successful advance to Phase 3 while seeking the newly opened eleventh slot on the F1 roster.
The FIA says it used “a robust process of due diligence” to reach its decision. Andretti Cadillac and its competitors were examined in terms of “sporting and technical ability,” the suitability of the team members for Formula One racing, and the team’s access to enough money to maintain itself in F1 competition long-term. Political factors beyond racing capability were also assessed, including dedication to zero-carbon operation by 2030 and working to “achieve a positive societal impact.”
The process began in February 2023 when the FIA called for “Expressions of Interest” from teams who wanted to apply to join the lineup of ten existing Formula One teams as an eleventh member. Phase 1, as the FIA called this phase, drew “numerous” applications from around the world, according to the organization.
Only four of the teams that initially submitted an Expression of Interest made it to Phase 2. Three of these, including the Rodin Carlin, LKYSUNZ, and Hitech teams, were recently disqualified after extensive investigation by the FIA. Only the Andretti Cadillac team moved forward to Phase 3, though LKYSUNZ attempted a second, revised application.
The approval of the Andretti Global and Cadillac team to move to Phase 3 overrides the objections of existing Formula One teams, which resisted having an eleventh member added and the resulting dilution of their profits. The head of Andretti Global, Michael Andretti, said his rivals expect him to “take all the American sponsors” and dilute their prize money.
The success of the Andretti Cadillac team won’t come cheaply. Cadillac and its partner will have to shell out a $200 million anti-dilution fee, paying $20 million to each of the current ten teams as the price of admission to the select circle.
The FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem noted only teams that “illustrated that they would add value to the sport” advanced through the selection process, and took the opportunity to “congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission.”
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Comment
Excellent. As a major fan of F1 I am really hoping to see Andretti Cadillac on the grid in the next few years.