--- title: "Andretti F1 Team Gets FIA Approval, But the Battle Is Just Beginning" date: "2023-10-02" modified: "2023-10-02" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/andretti-f1-team-gets-fia-approval-but-the-battle-is-just-beginning" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Andretti F1 Team Gets FIA Approval, But the Battle Is Just Beginning ![]() *\Getty \* The [Formula 1]() governing body, the FIA, has officially approved Michael Andretti's bid to launch an F1 team. This puts the [American racing dynasty one step closer to the grid]() come 2025 or 2026, when the Indianapolis-based outfit plans to compete in the world championship under the [Andretti Cadillac F1]() moniker. This is a major win for the American team but it's not an outright victory. The application process continues onto its second phase, which now involves the money folks, meaning [F1 teams and Liberty Media](). While the existing teams don't get to vote new teams in or out, there are talks that must take place between them and the rights holder in regard to finances. FIA President [Mohammed Ben Sulayem]() released a statement praising Andretti for receiving this approval. Other teams who applied were rejected as late as last week, leaving Andretti as the final runner. “Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity that fulfills the selection criteria that was set in all material respects,” said Ben Sulayem. “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," he added. Liberty Media hasn't been kind to Andretti's bid, oftentimes coming off as a bully against the newcomers. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has gone as far as saying that [the sport "has no need" for the new entry](), and even called out Michael Andretti for referring to current F1 teams as ["very greedy."]() Mercedes and Ferrari team principals Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur have previously spoken against adding a new team on the grid, even [earning a reaction]() from former F1 champion Mario Andretti. There's no timeline set in place for when the next decision will be announced, with Liberty Media simply releasing the statement below. “We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application,” F1 said in a statement. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()