The FIA has approved Andretti Formula Racing bid for a F1 grid slot from four applicants to FOM in Phase 3 of the process.
As expected, the FIA has formally approved the Andretti Formula Racing bid for F1 entry in Phase 3 of their process. The bid has now been forwarded to the Formula One Management (FOM) for commercial discussions and final approval of the same.
The FIA notes that Andretti were the only applicant to meet their stringent criteria from the initial call for Expressions of Interest (Phase 1). Only four made it into Phase 2 of evaluation. The governing body hasn’t named the four who made it though.
But the likely names could be Hitech GP, Rodin Cars, LKY SUNZ and Andretti. The selection criteria included sustainability factor of F1’s Net Zero Carbon bid for 2030. “The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
“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 fulfils 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.”
While the FIA has passed on their approval, it is now on FOM to make it official for the 2026 F1 season. It will be interesting how they handle the situation considering the opposition from the existing teams about an 11th entrant.
Here’s latest from F1 team bosses about their view
Here’s Rodin on their unsuccessful F1 bid