Michael Andretti, Andretti, 2023, Social Composite — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Missed F1 meeting revealed as Andretti VOW to sort entry row

A proposed 11th team on the F1 grid have suffered a setback

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Sunday 4 February 2024 16:58 Updated: 21:52

Andretti Autosport have released a statement about their joint bid with Cadillac to join the Formula 1 grid, suggesting that they would like an in-person meeting with Formula One Management (FOM).

In what has become a sidenote in the wild world of F1, Andretti's attempt to become the 11th team on the grid for the 2026 season was rejected, with FOM stating that the new team would not be a 'competitive participant', as well as questioning the financial viability of adding an extra team.

FOM also revealed that they had extended 'an invitation to an in-person meeting' at their offices, but that 'the applicant did not accept this offer.'

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While their 2026 entry has been knocked back, Andretti do still hope that they can be successful with a 2028 entry, when they would be backed by the might of General Motors, with a power unit supplied by the motoring giant.

Andretti Autosport are headed by former F1 driver Michael Andretti

While the FIA approved Andretti's bid, FOM knocked them back due to commercial viability and competitiveness concerns

Audi are already scheduled to join F1 in 2026, taking over from the Sauber-owned team

Andretti's failed F1 bid

One of the sticking points of a 2026 entry was that the team would need to be powered by an already-confirmed engine manufacturer for that season, when new regulations will hit the sport.

While Alpine team principal Bruno Famin had already stated that he would be willing to negotiate a deal with Andretti following a pre-contract agreement, those services will no longer be needed.

Andretti, however, are defiant in their response, and want to be given another chance at a meeting with FOM personnel.

"We were not aware that the offer of a meeting had been extended and we would not decline a meeting with Formula 1 management," a statement read.

"An in-person meeting to discuss business matters would be and remains of utmost importance to Andretti Cadillac.

“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with the management of Formula 1 and we have written to them confirming our interest."

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes Formula 1 Cadillac Formula One Management Andretti Autosport