LAS VEGAS — The restructuring of Andretti Global, which has reduced Michael Andretti’s involvement within the organization, has seemingly increased the potential for the establishment of a Formula 1 team. The possibility of F1 and Formula One Management granting the General Motors-supported entry a position as the 11th team on the grid is becoming more plausible, with decisions expected within the next few weeks. The new majority owner of Andretti, Dan Towriss, attended the Las Vegas Grand Prix last Thursday to gauge the opportunities for entering the premier racing series.
In an unusual twist, the FBI is also reported to be involved, allegedly as part of a Department of Justice inquiry into the reasons behind F1’s previous rejection of the Andretti organization’s expansion bid. Currently, F1 comprises ten teams that operate 20 cars, with only one American team—the Haas organization owned by Gene Haas. Notably, Las Vegas is hosting its third F1 race this season, which is more than any other country, reflecting the rapid growth of F1’s popularity in the United States over the last five years.
Despite previous rejections by F1, the landscape shifted in September when Michael Andretti reduced his role in running the business. This change has contributed to heightened negotiations under Towriss’s leadership, although uncertainty remains about what the name of a potential Andretti-less F1 team would be. Cadillac is involved in engine production but has indicated that it won’t be prepared until 2028. Consequently, a Towriss-led Formula 1 team in 2026 would require a different engine supplier under the GM brand.
Many of the existing teams have expressed opposition to expanding the grid to include an 11th team, citing concerns over reduced prize money and the substantial investments they have already made. However, advocates for Andretti claim that this resistance stems from personal feelings against Andretti, who has experience competing in 13 races during the 1993 season and is the son of Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion.
The FIA, F1’s governing body, had initially approved Andretti’s application, prior to F1 ultimately denying it. F1 has stated it would reevaluate the possibility of welcoming new teams once General Motors is ready with a competitive engine. Importantly, the current ten teams lack a decisive role in whether the grid will be expanded. Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, reiterated this point, highlighting that F1’s commercial rights holders and the FIA make the final decisions.
“We have a responsibility as directors to advocate for what is best for our company and staff, which we have done,” Wolff emphasized. He conveyed optimism regarding the potential involvement of GM as a team owner, suggesting that if a team could genuinely enrich the championship, acceptance would follow.
Wolff expressed a desire to have direct conversations with Towriss about future organizational plans now that Andretti has taken a step back. “No one from Andretti or Andretti Global has presented to me what their creative vision is,” he noted, while emphasizing that the decision does not fall to the teams but rather to the commercial rights holder and the FIA.
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, voiced similar sentiments, stating he wouldn’t oppose an additional team if it genuinely adds value to F1. “The discussions involve the FIA, the team, and FOM. It’s not our decision,” he clarified, echoing that any addition to the sport should enhance its overall quality and appeal.
