Mario Andretti lets slip FIA decision for new F1 teams

10 August 2023 , 18:20

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Mario Andretti lets slip FIA decision for new F1 teams

Mario Andretti said the FIA has indicated it will make a decision on allowing new Formula 1 teams by early September.

The 1978 world champion's son Michael is leading one of several bids from prospective teams hoping to join the sport. Including the Andretti Autosport bid, around six teams are understood to have applied through the FIA's Expressions of Interest process.

Decisions had originally been expected by the end of July. However, now deep into the August summer break, those applicants remain none the wiser as to whether or not F1's governing body will declare their entry applications are valid.

They may not have to wait too much longer, though. Andretti's whose son spearheads arguably the most substantial entry bid, told RacingNews365 that a decision is expected in around a month's time.

He said: "From our standpoint, we're just going along with the process and trying to fill in all the boxes. We've done it all and now it is in [the FIA and F1's] hands and it is just a waiting situation now, but we should know something shortly. There is not a specific timeline, but we have been told [to expect a decision by] early September."

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The 83-year-old went on to specify that Andretti Autosport would be looking to enter the sport by as soon as 2025 if given approval. He added: "Not only [is that] beneficial, but it is a key factor. That is something that's been put forward quite strongly and I think it makes sense.

"At first, [we were targeting] 2024, but as the process dragged on, 2025 became more feasible, and so that is what we are working towards."

FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem recently hinted that Andretti's partnership with General Motors and its Cadillac brand makes the bid very attractive. He said: "People have to understand we are here to promote motorsport and we are here to be fair.

"The Expressions of Interest process is very robust and there is no circumstance where we can deny any teams if they fulfil the criteria to enter. So, imagine me saying no to someone like GM? We have in the regulations that we can go up to 12 teams.

"I'm not breaking [rules] but do we allow anyone to enter? No. But how on earth can we refuse GM? I mean, where's the common sense in this? GM is a heavyweight and when they come with Andretti, that's good for all of us."

Daniel Moxon