Andretti's F1 plans unaffected by power shift but questions linger
10/11/2024 02:23 AM
Michael Andretti's recent decision to step down from his daily management responsibilities at Andretti Global is not expected to hinder the team's ongoing efforts to join the Formula 1 grid at some point in the future, but many questions over the US outfit's plans continue to linger.
According to multiple reports, Andretti's Silverstone-based facility is continuing to hire staff, with the aim of completing a 2026-spec Formula 1 chassis before the end of this year.
As a reminder, the FIA formally green lit last year the American racing conglomerate's plan to join Formula 1 as the sport's eleventh team, an effort supported by its partner Cadillac.
However, Andretti's initiative was dismissed – at least for the time being – by Formula One Management.
An overwhelming majority of Grand Prix racing's teams have argued that accepting an eleventh outfit on the grid would dilute the field's all-important prize fund, with concerns were also raised about Andretti's potential competitiveness and its ability to add value to the championship.
However, Andretti doesn't seem fazed by these setbacks. Its workforce at its Silverstone base now exceeds 250 employees and continues to grow as the team presses on with its F1 plans.
Interestingly, Andretti may actually be in an advantageous position since, as without a confirmed 2026 entry, the team is not constrained by F1's current regulations or its budget cap. This allows the team to proceed with development efforts without the limitations faced by F1's field of contenders.
Furthermore, according to sources, the Andretti operation is taking full advantage of its exclusive access to Toyota's wind tunnel in Cologne, running multiple shifts to accelerate its progress.
©Andretti
The team is expected to have a fully developed 2026 chassis by the end of the year, which will undergo FIA-compliant crash and load tests. They have already passed the FIA's frontal impact test for the car's nose assemblies, marking a significant step forward.
In summary, Andretti remains hopeful that both the FIA and FOM will reconsider their decision and allow them to enter Formula 1 as an 11th team.
By stepping back from his day-to-day presence at the helm of the team, Michael Andretti may have removed a potential obstacle in the approval process as the American team owner's outspoken nature and rivalry with existing teams may have previously hindered Andretti Global's progress.
With Dan Towriss taking the helm, the team hopes to present a more streamlined approach, potentially accelerating their path towards becoming a full-fledged GM works team with a bespoke engine by 2028, a stipulation mentioned in FOM's rejection letter.
One question mark remains: will the Andretti name and ownership structure change in their second attempt to join F1?
Only time will tell if the revised team under Towriss' leadership can secure their coveted spot on the F1 grid.
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