Andretti Motorsport has made its name in the IndyCar series. Now they are trying to enter the world of F1. While they wait to seek approval from the FOM, let’s take a look at what this potential team could do for Formula 1 if they enter.
Earlier this year, Andretti announced that they would be entering a bid to enter Formula 1 in 2026. This bid has since been approved by the FIA. However, approval from the FIA alone will not be enough to enter the sport. They now await the decision of the FOM who will look at things a bit differently than the FIA. In the meantime, they have announced a partnership with General Motors’ Cadillac brand. They are expected to provide the team with engines from the 2026 season.
While the FIA focuses on the mandatory requirements to become a constructor, the FOM will look at the team as either an asset or a liability. At the end of the day, Formula 1 is a business. They need to make decisions based on how they can improve their business overall. If they feel that Andretti does not have much to offer to the sport’s value, they could choose to reflect their bid. However, if they feel that Andretti could help widen the fan base of the sport, the FOM could choose to accept their bid.
Proud to announce our Andretti Global partnership with GM @Cadillac as we pursue the opportunity to compete in the @FIA @F1 World Championship. #CadillacVSeries #AllAndretti pic.twitter.com/c1juJtra11
— Michael Andretti (@michaelandretti) January 5, 2023
We have seen a major fanbase of Dutch fans for Max Verstappen. The infamous “Orange Army” travels across Europe to attend the races. F1 will be looking for something similar in the US.
With F1 increasing the number of races in the US, Andretti should focus on improving their brand value and recognition in the United States. Compared to Europe, the United States has a pretty bleak fanbase. If they are able to capture this fanbase and prove to F1 that these fans will follow them to F1, it would be enough to convince the FOM.
Andretti Global line-up for 2026: Which F1 drivers will Andretti consider?
If Andretti’s bid is accepted by the FOM, they will need to start shortlisting drivers for their lineup. Since they are already a well-established team, we can expect them to be able to afford an expensive driver.
After exiting F1, former F1 driver, Romain Grosjean went to race in IndyCar with Andretti Motorsport. Although he saw limited success with the team, they split ways earlier this year. This reduces the chances of Romain Grosjean’s return to Formula 1. Andretti’s current driver lineup includes Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood, and Marco Andretti. Out of these drivers, there is a good chance that Colton Herta could make his way to F1.
If Andretti does make it onto the #F1 grid, one of its priorities will be to have an American driver in its line-up.
But since that desire was first stated, its clear choice has faced more in-house competition than anticipated ➡️ https://t.co/FUufRT1pDzhttps://t.co/FUufRT1pDz
— The Race (@wearetherace) October 13, 2023
Last year, Colton Herta was linked to the AlphaTauri seat for this season. However, the FIA did not allow Colton to drive in F1 as he had not accumulated enough points for a super license. This extended his stay in IndyCar. However, if he impresses Andretti in the next 2 years, there is a good chance that he will continue to race for them in F1.
There are also a few current F1 drivers who could be contenders for the F1 seat in Andretti. If the American Constructor is looking to hire a driver from their own country, the immediate option would be Logan Sargeant. Other drivers who will be without a seat for the 2026 season are George Russell, Lando Norris, and Lewis Hamilton. There are a lot of drivers who will be out of contract after 2024. So they could also be potential candidates for Andretti-Cadilac. Let’s wait and see if Andretti-Cadilac racing is approved to race in F1 by the FOM.
Who do you think should drive for the Andretti-Cadilac F1 team in 2026? Post your answers in the comment section below.