Despite receiving approval from the F1 governing body, Formula 1, led by Stefano Domenicali, rejected the request as the sport’s owners supported the current ten teams. The united teams voted against any new F1 project, even though the FIA has the authority to grant entries to two additional teams. Andretti Global met all the necessary requirements, but their bid was turned down. However, this setback hasn’t deterred Michael Andretti from moving forward. Last year, he began construction on the Andretti Global mega factory in Indianapolis, and today, he unveiled a new 48,000 square foot building at Silverstone Park.
The team celebrated this achievement on Twitter, stating, “This is a significant milestone for Andretti Global as we prepare to join the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.” During the opening ceremony, Andretti expressed, “With the inauguration of our new facility at Silverstone Park, UK, we have entered the next phase of our preparations to participate in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. We are honored to have the existing Andretti Cadillac UK workforce of around 80 individuals join us today, as we establish our new British base for the wider Andretti family.”
He further explained, “This new facility is a major accomplishment for Andretti Global. It is an independent property that can expand its operations as circumstances change. The versatile space will house various manufacturing facilities, including pattern, model, and machine shops, ADM, electronics, R&D, as well as additional office and meeting spaces. This location will work collaboratively with our primary Andretti site in Indiana and our Formula E facility in Banbury, serving as a collaborative hub for our global race teams,” added the team’s principal.
During an interview with Sky F1 at the opening of their new UK facility, Andretti disclosed, “We are still in partnership with FOM, and we will demonstrate the value we bring to the table. General Motors’ involvement is significant. They are not simply joining us; they are becoming a vital part of our team. I don’t think people fully grasp the magnitude of this. Once everyone understands what we are truly building, it will reach a point where they cannot refuse.”
General Motors is currently developing a F1 Power Unit that will meet the specifications until 2028, when F1 will consider its entry. However, Andretti argues that his bid deserves an earlier entry, as GM is already in the process of building an engine and is registered to do so.
Andretti acknowledges that while they will have an engine by 2028, they need time to build their team and be competitive. They are aware that simply showing up in 2028 with a new engine and no team is not a viable option. They need two years to prepare and ensure that their team is ready to go.
Andretti is not naive about the challenges they face. He previously accused F1 team bosses of dismissing their bid as that of “hillbillies” due to the aggressive rejection of the 11th team concept.
The 10 F1 teams who hold the power seem to believe that they are the best in the world. However, teams like Williams and Alpine have made a mockery of this claim with their mistakes and lack of direction. Additionally, the issue of Red Bull having two teams raises questions about their independence and the influence of Mercedes and Ferrari over their customers.
In the words of Toto Wolff, who is critical of Andretti, what value do Williams, Alpine, and even Haas bring to F1 at the moment? And what about Sauber, who is currently in a state of uncertainty before the potential Audi invasion?
Michael contends that his team will bring added value to Formula 1: “We believe that we won’t be diluting the resources, but rather helping to increase them. And when the resources grow, everyone will benefit more from it. It has been a bit frustrating, but we will make our point clear.”
The Andretti name has a rich history in motorsport, starting with the legendary Mario Andretti in Formula 1, followed by Michael himself as a race driver, as well as other family members who have been involved in the sport. They have also successfully managed teams that compete in various series around the world.
For Andretti, the F1 project would be the crowning achievement for one of the largest motor racing organizations globally. Andretti surpasses the likes of Williams, Haas, and Sauber in terms of size and influence.
Andretti further elaborated: “General Motors is a major player, not a small entity. The fact that they have never been involved in Formula 1 and have chosen to partner with us speaks volumes. They didn’t want to do it alone; they wanted to collaborate with a team like ours. The approach we are taking is unprecedented and will have a significant impact on Formula 1, particularly in the United States. We will be building an all-American car in America, with American owners, an American engine, and an American driver.”
“This has never been done before, and I believe it will be a game-changer for Formula 1. The American market, which still has tremendous untapped potential, will only benefit from it. To us, it’s an obvious choice, and I think most people would agree. We just need to convince Formula One Management (FOM) that it will be beneficial for everyone,” Andretti explained.
In terms of operations and logistics, Andretti provided further details: “Up until now, the F1 project has been divided between activities in Silverstone, Indiana, and at the GM Tech Center in North Carolina. Our preparations began some time ago, with a focus on crucial tasks such as assembling key personnel and concentrating on activities that require a significant amount of time, including designing the aerodynamics, mechanics, and vehicle dynamics.
“The construction of the new facility will be carried out in stages, based on commercial and sporting needs, as well as workforce requirements. We have consistently emphasized the speed at which we are working, and this new facility embodies our commitment to that pace.
“While our aim is to establish an American works team, having a base in Europe provides an excellent opportunity to attract the finest talent in the world of F1 and utilize cutting-edge machinery,” Andretti explained.
It is worth considering the statement made by the FIA regarding Andretti Global: “If the same strict entry criteria that were applied to our most recent expression of interest for Andretti and others had been in place when Haas sought to enter F1 in 2016, they would not have met the requirements.”
Ironically, despite being owned by an American corporation, Liberty Media, F1 is predominantly dominated by non-USA teams who are making every effort to prevent a legitimate entry from the United States, which is a country where the sport is flourishing. There is something fundamentally flawed with this situation.
💬 “Having a presence here is crucial.”
We had an exhilarating day inaugurating our new facility in Silverstone, which will provide support to our headquarters in Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/se8VM0ZGY6
— Andretti Global (@AndrettiGlobal) April 10, 2024