During the presentation of the new Andretti Global facilities in Silverstone, Michael and Mario were present to announce their plans for expanding the organization. With the support of General Motors, they are determined to make an offer to F1 that cannot be ignored.
The goal of this base in the UK, revealed by Andretti, is primarily for F1. However, they also intend to integrate their Formula E team into this facility. Michael explained: “Our goal is to establish an F3/F2 team to provide support to the F1 team and potentially even a WEC team. We want this to be our central hub for European racing, so there are many exciting plans in this area.”
Their ultimate goal is to have Renault as the power unit supplier from 2026, allowing the team to gain operational experience before transitioning to F1 power units built by GM in 2028. This is the main goal that received approval from the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the governing body of F1, which has the authority to grant entries for a maximum of 12 teams.
Andretti’s proposal was approved by the FIA after an extensive due diligence study, which assessed the value that the American team could bring to F1. The FIA recognized the potential and made a decision that would benefit the sport. However, the nine exclusive racing organizations that currently control the “ten” teams closed ranks.
In October 2023, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated: “The FIA is obliged to approve entries that meet the requirements set out in the Expression of Interest entry. We have followed the necessary procedures and have determined that the entry of Andretti Formula Racing LLC will proceed to the next stage of the process. This decision is in line with EU guidelines on participation and development in motorsport. Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity that fully met the selection criteria. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team for their comprehensive entry.”
However, Formula One Management (FOM) was not interested, stating: “The inclusion of an eleventh team would place a heavy burden on race organizers, subjecting some to significant expenses and reducing opportunities for other competitors in terms of technology, operations, and commercial aspects.”
“We would consider a request for a team to join the 2028 Championship with a General Motors power unit, either as a factory team or as a customer team producing all components allowed internally.”
“In such a scenario, there would be additional factors to be evaluated in terms of the value that the Candidate would bring to the Championship, especially in terms of introducing a prestigious new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the sport as a power unit supplier,” the report stated.
However, Andretti remains undeterred by the rejection, as the ambitious goal of their racing team is crystal clear: “Formula One is undoubtedly the pinnacle of global motorsport. We participate in various racing series.”
“Being part of Formula One represents the pinnacle of our aspirations as a brand. This would fulfill our ultimate goal of participating in all major international racing events. And reaching Formula One signifies the apex of that achievement.”
“In recent years, this has been our goal, and we are confident that we will achieve it. We are also assembling an exceptional team, which will make our entry into Formula One truly remarkable. Building a genuine Formula One team from scratch with highly qualified individuals is a unique endeavor.”
“I believe this will surprise many people when we finally hit the track,” Andretti predicted. His pursuit of Formula One is comparable to Mercedes’ return in 2010 and Aston Martin’s brand revival at the height of the sport.
Although the question of what value Andretti would bring to the Formula One circus has become irrelevant, considering the operational challenges of Williams, Alpine, and Haas, and Sauber’s expectation of Audi’s participation from 2026 onwards.
© 2024
The future of sports: what to expect in the coming years
The world of sports is constantly evolving and in the coming years we can expect major changes and advancements. From the development of new technologies to the inclusion of emerging sports, the future promises to be exciting for sports fans.
One of the main changes we can expect is the advancement of technology in sports. With the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data analysis, athletes will have access to more precise information and training, which could lead to even better performance. Additionally, technology will also be used to enhance the spectator experience, with more immersive and interactive broadcasts.
Another trend that is gaining strength is the inclusion of emerging sports. Sports such as eSports, indoor climbing, and parkour are becoming increasingly popular and may become part of major sports events. This will bring a new generation of athletes and fans to the world of sports, further diversifying the industry.
Furthermore, sustainability will also be a major concern in the coming years. With growing awareness of climate change, sports events will be pressured to adopt more sustainable practices. From reducing the use of plastic to implementing renewable energies, sports will play an important role in the fight against climate change.
Lastly, the globalization of sports will continue to grow in the coming years. With the ease of communication and travel, athletes will have more opportunities to compete and excel at an international level. This will also allow fans from around the world to follow their favorite athletes and discover new talents.
In summary, the future of sports promises to be exciting and full of changes. With the advancement of technology, the inclusion of emerging sports, concern for sustainability, and globalization, the next few years will be thrilling for sports fans. Be prepared to follow the transformations and enjoy all the new developments that are coming.
