The FIA launches the selection process for a new team in F1
After the American team Andretti's smashing desires to enter Formula 1 and the failed negotiations between Red Bull and Porsche for an entry into Formula 1, the FIA has decided to open a call for applications to prove their qualities as a future Formula 1 team.
The FIA, International Automobile Federation, governs the technical, sporting, financial, and ethical regulations of motor sports. As a fully-fledged institution in purely economic management of F1, it also handles the authorizations to enter Formula 1 as a team. Since 2017, the limit has been set at 10 teams following the departure of Manor and the successive failures of several 11th teams. The FIA now seeks serious candidates to avoid repeating the setbacks of Caterham, Lotus, Manor, or HRT.
Formula 1 attracts a large crowd.
However, things have evolved and Formula 1 is attracting more and more spectators, thus regaining the interest of brands. The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stated that the growth and appeal of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship are reaching unprecedented levels. The FIA believes that the conditions are met for interested parties, who meet the selection criteria, to express a formal interest in participating in the Championship.
Indeed, Andretti, who is mainly known for his participation in the American Indycar racing championship, has expressed his intention to join Formula 1 for several months. Despite some teams’ hesitation, the FIA has decided to initiate a selection process for a potential 11th team. This selection will aim to defend the strengths of the future F1 team, including its economic, commercial, and now societal value.
For the very first time, as part of the selection process, we are asking candidates to indicate how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability criteria and how they would have a positive societal impact through the sport.
A return of old forces?
The process is a logical extension of the acceptance of the FIA Regulation 2026 on F1 power units by the engine manufacturers, which attracted Audi to Formula 1 and generated interest from other potential participants.
If for now we know Andretti’s interest, other teams could be interested in a return or an arrival in Formula 1. Porsche, who couldn’t reach an agreement with Red Bull, could thus have the opportunity to enter Formula 1 on its own terms. Honda has also shown interest in becoming an engine supplier again in Formula 1. The team would therefore be capable of integrating a whole team as well. Finally, Ford is also listed as a manufacturer interested in increasing its visibility, especially since an increasing number of Grand Prix races are now taking place in the United States, the brand’s territory.
