Andretti has just officially received the authorization from the International Automobile Federation to apply for Formula 1 as of 2025. The American team has thus been the only structure able to meet the criteria set in the tender by the federation.
This is what his manager, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, confirmed on the FIA website, explaining the process put in place and the reasons behind it.
Strict criteria
To avoid repeating the failures of the previous Formula 1 teams that arrived in the paddock for only a few seasons, the FIA and F1 wanted both financial and structural guarantees. Lotus, Marussia, Virgin, HRT, and Super Aguri all had a difficult time when they entered Formula 1.
« The FIA has been very clear in establishing strict entry criteria from the beginning of the bidding process. Our goal, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve potential bids that met the set criteria and demonstrated that they would add value to the sport. » explains the director of the FIA.
Andretti only structure capable
The director of the FIA thus explained that only Andretti had been given the green light by the FIA to proceed to the negotiation stage with FOM, Formula One Management. Indeed, the F1 World Championship provides the possibility of accommodating up to 12 teams. If the other candidates, like Hitech in particular, had also been given the green light by the FIA, a second team would have had the opportunity to negotiate in phase 3 with FOM.
« The FIA is obligated to approve applications that meet the requirements for the expression of interest, and we have adhered to this procedure by deciding to move Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application to the next stage of the application process. In making this decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with the EU guidelines on participation and development in motor sports. »
« Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity that met the selection criteria set in all important aspects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team for their thorough presentation. I would also like to thank all the candidate teams for their interest and participation. »
The process of expressing interest is based on the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 regulations on F1 powertrain by existing equipment manufacturers, which has also sparked further commitment from Audi, Honda, and Ford, as well as the interest of Porsche and General Motors.
The detailed selection process
February 2023: Official launch of a candidature process aiming to identify potential teams willing to participate at a competitive level in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
– Sports and technical abilities and resources of the team.
– Team’s ability to raise and maintain sufficient funding to enable participation in the championship at a competitive level.
– Relevant experience and human resources of the team.
– Ability to meet sustainability criteria
– To have a positive societal impact, in line with (according to) the FIA’s approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Phase 1: Call for expressions of interest.
Phase 2: Request, evaluation, and approval process.
Phase 3: Candidate selected referred to FOM for commercial discussions.
No information is being provided regarding the negotiations with the FOM.
