Sauber takeover failed in 2021
Andretti wants to compete in Formula 1 with Cadillac
Instead of buying up an existing racing team, the Andretti clan set up a new one together with General Motors in order to enter the pinnacle of motorsport.
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Father and son: Mario (right) and Michael Andretti want to get into Formula 1 with their racing team.
The Andretti clan and their dream of entering Formula 1 – will it now come true thanks to the help of the General Motors car group? On Thursday, the two US parties announced: We’re pulling together. General Motors sends its Cadillac brand into the race. Andretti Cadillac is to be the name of the newly founded racing team. Engine-wise Renault would help. “I welcome this news,” tweeted FIA boss Mohammed bin Sulayem (61) immediately.
“The Andretti name would be very good for the sport,” said ex-GP boss Bernie Ecclestone (92) in Sunday’s view of joining the Andretti clan with dad Mario (82, world champion 1978 on Lotus) and son Michael ( 60, McLaren teammate of Senna in 1993). “Many teams are simply afraid that they would have to share the billion dollar cake with an eleventh team. But according to the law, only the ten best teams continue to collect.”
Formula 1 boom in the USA
Andretti Cadillac would be the second racing team from the USA alongside Haas-Ferrari. The pinnacle of motorsport is currently experiencing a boom in the United States. With Miami (in May), Austin (in October) and Las Vegas (in November), three World Championship races are planned in the USA in 2023. In addition, Logan Sargeant (22), a pilot with a US passport, has been sitting in the Williams-Mercedes since this year.
It is unclear when the potential entry is to take place. Michael Andretti: “Together we will continue to follow the procedures and steps set out by the FIA during the evaluation process. In the meantime, we are preparing optimistically should we be lucky enough to have Andretti Cadillac officially approved as a Formula 1 contender.” A new factory site is currently being built in Fishers near Indianapolis.
In autumn 2021, Andretti tried unsuccessfully to get into F1 by taking over the Sauber racing team. A year later, the deal with Audi was made in Hinwil, and the “Saudi” will be launched in 2026. (RB/yap)