Michael Andretti’s bid to become the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid received a major boost Tuesday with General Motors announcing it has registered with the FIA as an engine provider beginning with the 2028 season.
F1 approved Andretti Global’s bid last month, which was the first major hurdle. The second one was cleared with GM formally announcing the company’s intention to enter F1 with its Cadillac brand and partner with Andretti.
“With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we’re confident we’ll develop a successful power unit for the series, and position Andretti Cadillac as a true works team,” GM president Mark Reuss said. “We will run with the very best, at the highest levels, with passion and integrity that will help elevate the sport for race fans around the world.”
The final — and biggest — hurdle may be convincing the other 10 teams on the grid to approve adding the Andretti team.
Andretti Autosport has won IndyCar and Formula E championships, but there is debate about the organization’s ability to handle the financial and competitive demands of F1.
Having received the green light from the FIA, Andretti’s bid is now being reviewed by F1.
Honda, Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault currently provide F1 power units, with Audi and Ford slated to join in 2026. That’s when new engine regulations go into effect, with the next generation of F1 power units required to have half of the horsepower generating from electric power.
Andretti, 60, is the son of Mario Andretti, who won the 1978 F1 championship. Michael Andretti is vying to field a two-car team on the F1 grid, and should the bid be approved before 2028, the team would need a deal in place for another manufacturer’s engine to bridge the gap.
There is currently no American team in F1, although Logan Sargeant does drive for Williams. Andretti has said he plans to sign at least one American driver if it succeeds in entering F1.
Kyle Kirkwood, who drives for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series, told Autosport that he hopes to be considered for a seat should Andretti’s bid to join the F1 grid is successful.
–Field Level Media
