The International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula One's governing body, has approved the application of Andretti Formula Racing, which since 1994 has competed in IndyCar but has teams in Formula E and Indy Lights, to enter the championship as an eleventh team. Formula One, owned by Liberty Media, said it would carry out its own assessment of the merits of Andretti's bid, which is now the only one remaining after those of LKY SNZ, Hitech and Rodin Carlin were rejected.
It was the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who officially announced that Andretti's candidacy to be the eleventh Formula 1 team – for 2025 at the earliest – has been accepted. Faced with the rejection of the rest of the proposals, Andretti's candidacy, with the help of a large group like General Motors, has been the one that has convinced the Federation. In fact, he is the "only candidate who met the strict criteria established by the FIA," according to the statement.
Among these criteria was not only sporting and technical capacity or the financial section, but sustainability and social impact have also been taken into account.
"The FIA was very clear in establishing strict criteria for entry from the start of the procedure. Our aim, after rigorous diligence during the application phase, was to approve only potential entries that met the established criteria and illustrated that they would add value to sport," said Ben Sulayem.
"The FIA is obliged to approve applications that meet the 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 making that decision, the FIA acts in accordance with the EU directives on the participation and development of motor sport.
Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity that met the established selection criteria in all material aspects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team for their thorough presentation. "I also want to thank all potential teams for their interest and participation."
The Expressions of Interest process is based on the positive acceptance of the FIA's 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations among existing manufacturers, which has also attracted increased commitment from Audi, Honda and Ford and interest from Porsche and General Motors.
"I would like to thank all members of the FIA team involved in the Expressions of Interest process for their tireless efforts to ensure diligent evaluation of all applications received," he added.
