Formula 1 rejects Andretti-Cadillac bid for 2026

The reason that F1 gave for this was not unexpected, as multiple team principals like Fred Vasseur explained the negatives of the team’s entry into the sport. F1 highlighted that the addition of an 11th team on the grid did not add value to the sport. Rather, the addition of another team needs to be to increase competitiveness, something which Andretti did not showcase. As a result, Formula 1 officially declined the bid, despite great developments regarding the team’s entry into the sport.

Formula 1 representative highlighted further issues with the team’s entry into the sport

Additionally, F1 representatives highlighted other issues with Andretti joining the grid. However, F1 did not fail to acknowledge that Andretti’s name has some recognition from old Formula 1 fans. Regardless, the addition of the team solely due to this popularity did not make sense to FOM.

The research conducted by F1 revealed that Andretti Cadillac’s bid for entering the sport wouldn’t reap the same benefits that it would to the team. This meant that Andretti’s brand would gain more value as compared to what the team bought on the table for Formula 1. Hence, the team was rejected an early entry into the sport.

Although the bid produced by Michael Andretti and others had its benefits, F1 has made the call in the sport’s interest. The addition of another team would’ve had its pros and cons, as expressed by multiple people on the grid. Hence, time will tell about the team’s entry in 2028 if Andretti holds onto the bid for longer.