05 January 2023 , 18:57
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Formula 1 bosses moved to make it clear they would have the final say over any new team after Andretti Autosport announced its link-up with Cadillac.
Andretti has brought the American carmaker on board to bolster its chances of getting approval to form a new F1 team. It is a direct response to criticism from other existing teams over their plans, who want any new entrants to bring more to the sport than they would take.
Adding a huge automotive brand – particularly a US-based one like Cadillac – makes the Andretti bid that much more desirable. Indeed, the FIA appeared flattered by the interest of the General Motors Company as it gave a swift response to the announcement.
"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," read the statement from the governing body.
"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."
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But even though all signs now point to a successful Andretti bid, F1 chiefs have served a timely reminder that their place on the future grid is not guaranteed. "There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others," a statement read.
F1 bosses issued a reminder that they would need to green light any new team joining the sport (Getty Images)"We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders. Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA."
Though those "not as visible" bids were not named, there have been plenty of automotive brands and private projects linked with F1. Porsche remain interested despite the collapse of their Red Bull deal, while carmakers as diverse as Ford, Hyundai and BMW have been named as possible interested parties.
Hong Kong billionaire Calvin Lo wants to bankroll a new Asian team and recently spoke to Mirror Sport about his plans. And he is not the only interested party from the East, with the Panthera Team Asia project also raising funds to submit a bid to the FIA.
There is space on the grid – current rules allow for up to 26 cars per race, meaning there is room for 13 teams. But whether or not the existing 10 would give their blessing to any new outfit under current dilution legislation is a questions which remains unanswered.