Michael Andretti
Autosport Plus
Special feature

The questionable motivations revealed by F1’s predictable Andretti stalemate

OPINION: The paddock politics surrounding Andretti Formula Racing’s bid to become Formula 1’s 11th team are nothing if not complex and on the cusp of boiling over. MATT KEW dives into the subtext

Given it was the FIA’s idea to launch a formal entry process to potentially allow an 11th team into Formula 1, you might have expected governing body president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to welcome sole successful bidder Andretti with a rousing fanfare. Instead, it was abundantly clear he was having to walk a legal tightrope.  

When the FIA finally announced that it had given the proposal the green light, the accompanying quote attributed to him read: “The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the Expressions of Interest 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.”  

Previous article Wolff: €1m fines "very surreal" for F1 fans
Next article United States GP: F1 tech images from the pitlane explained

More from GP Racing

How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble

How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Abu Dhabi GP

How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble How F1’s new cool customer vindicated his McLaren gamble

Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team

Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team Why a departing stalwart was perfectly suited to F1's most pragmatic team

The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari

The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Las Vegas GP

The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari The multiple facets behind Sainz's growing stature at Ferrari

How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience

How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Las Vegas GP

How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience

How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns

How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Las Vegas GP

How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns How F1 teams are attempting to negotiate Vegas unknowns

The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push

The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push The obstacles that make hydrogen unattractive for F1’s sustainability push

How BRM’s engine overreach hindered a pioneering F1 Lotus

How BRM’s engine overreach hindered a pioneering F1 Lotus

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1

How BRM’s engine overreach hindered a pioneering F1 Lotus How BRM’s engine overreach hindered a pioneering F1 Lotus

The “no bitterness” outlook keeping F1's ageless veteran on the front foot

The “no bitterness” outlook keeping F1's ageless veteran on the front foot

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
Brazilian GP

The “no bitterness” outlook keeping F1's ageless veteran on the front foot The “no bitterness” outlook keeping F1's ageless veteran on the front foot

Subscribe