FIA approves 'Andretti Formula Racing' F1 application

The FIA has formally announced it has approved Andretti’s application to join the Formula 1 grid, meaning the project is now able to proceed to negotiations with Formula One Management (FOM).

Expressions of interest from new teams were invited in February of this year, prompting numerous prospective teams to submit initial documentation. The FIA says four applications were then approved to advance to Phase 2 of the process, with a full application, evaluation and approval process now resulting in only Andretti – under the full name of Andretti Formula Racing LLC – being accepted as meeting the governing body’s criteria.

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As the only team approved to move forward to Phase 3, Andretti will now be referred to FOM to discuss commercial terms, although so far there has not been a public expression of any desire from the commercial rights holder to increase the number of teams.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says the evaluation of each applicant was extremely detailed and in line with legal requirements, as well as satisfying the governing body’s remit to increase interest in motorsport.

“The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure,” Ben Sulayem said. “Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport.

“The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the Expressions of Interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application would proceed to the next stage of the application process. In taking that decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with EU directives on motor sport participation and development.

“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfills the selection criteria that was set in all material respects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission. I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.

“The Expressions of Interest process builds on the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations among existing OEMs which has also attracted further commitment from Audi, Honda and Ford and interest from Porsche and General Motors.

“I would like to thank all of the FIA team members involved in the Expressions of Interest process for their tireless efforts in ensuring a diligent assessment of all of the applications received.”

A statement from Formula 1 following the FIA's announcement simply acknowledged the decision.

"We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application."