Andretti Autosport has announced a major new partnership deal with American carmaker Cadillac as part of its plans to launch a brand new Formula 1 team.
The team, led by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, is already a major player in other forms of racing including IndyCar, NASCAR and Formula E. But he has held a desire to launch his own F1 team for some time, and came close in 2021 before his bid to buy Sauber fell through.
Since then, Andretti has been focussed upon creating a brand new team to join the grid, rather than take over an existing competitor. His plans have been met by some resistance from those already on the grid, but the Americans have pressed ahead with their plans anyway.
Announcing the deal with Cadillac's parent company General Motors, Andretti said: "We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what's next. I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula 1 and can bring value to the series and our partners.
"I'm proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal. GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid."
Andretti's brand new £166m facility, from which their F1 project would operate, is under construction in Fishers, Indiana. And, earlier this week, the FIA showed signs of warming to the idea of allowing a new team as president Mohammed ben Sulayem announced a new process through which prospective entrants can apply.
The governing body released a statement as this latest development was announced, in which it appeared flattered by the interest of two huge US-based brands. It read: "The FIA is exploring the Expressions of Interest process and we will provide a further update in the near future. Today's news from the United States is further proof of the popularity and growth of Formula 1.
"It is particularly pleasing to have interest from two iconic brands such as General Motors Cadillac and Andretti Global. Any additional entries would build on the positive acceptance of the FIA's 2026 PU regulations among OEMs which has already attracted an entry from Audi."
And Ben Sulayem took to social media to give a comment of his own, writing: "I welcome the news of the Cadillac and Andretti partnership and the FIA looks forward to further discussions on the FIA F1 World Championship Expressions of Interest process."
Andretti had previously expressed a desire to be on the grid as soon as the 2024 season, but that seems unlikely given the amount of work that goes into building everything needed to compete in the sport. Now, he prefers to be vague on that subject and simply wants it to happen "as soon as it all makes sense to be on track".
While the team will be US-based, out of that facility in Indiana, there will also be support from the UK. It will be known as the Andretti Cadillac team, confirmed General Motors president Mark Reuss, though the official name is yet to be decided.
"Today is the first step of what we hope to be the historic entry of General Motors into F1," said Reuss. "It's very, very exciting for us to be with Andretti and if given the opportunity, GM and Cadillac will compete with the very best at the very highest levels with passion and integrity that will continue to elevate the sport for the FIA and race fans around the world."
