Andretti’s entry into Formula 1 is now almost a reality. According to reports released to the media, the procedures have been initiated and are in the final stages.
From what we gather, several teams had submitted requests to enter Formula 1. However, the offers, even if approved by the FIA, were subsequently rejected by Liberty Media.
At least three teams received a negative response, namely: Hitech, Rodin Carlin, and LKYSUNZ. The latter is an Asian team funded with 1 billion by an American fund and had planned a very ambitious project if it had succeeded in entering Formula 1. The team was supposed to have its headquarters in Asia and Africa, offering drivers from both continents the opportunity to race in F1.
The reaction of the teams
The news of Andretti’s entry into Formula 1 did not excite the current teams very much. Firstly, Toto Wolff, who invited his colleagues, the FIA, and FOM to “protect the sport.”
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative for Alfa Romeo-Sauber, the future official Audi team from 2026, had a milder response and hopes that the newcomer will bring “added value to Formula 1.”
In addition, all the teams have agreed to increase the entry fee. In 2020, the price was $200 million according to the Concorde Agreement. Given the global growth of Formula 1 and the value of its teams, every new entrant should therefore pay more.
The driver lineup
To date, there is still no official driver lineup for Mario Andretti’s team. However, the former Formula 1 world champion has dropped some hints on the matter.
“I can certainly say that there will be an American driver in the team,” he said last August. “The other, on the other hand, will be an experienced driver.”
It’s now a guessing game for the potential driver names.
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