Christian Horner, the Red Bull boss, expressed surprise at the reaction of Formula 1’s decision to block Andretti Cadillac’s attempt to join the series, reaching the U.S. Congress. Six U.S. senators have asked the Department of Justice to look into whether F1’s decision violated any antitrust laws. Horner stated that he was surprised to see Andretti taking this route and suggested that the team should acquire an existing franchise if they want to join the grid. GM, under its Cadillac brand, is part of the Andretti Cadillac effort that was denied by Formula One Management (FOM) due to concerns about competitiveness. However, FOM has promised to reconsider the application in 2028 when GM has an engine ready to compete.
Horner welcomed Andretti and Cadillac to F1, recognizing their strong racing heritage and the importance of Cadillac as a major U.S. automotive manufacturer. He emphasized the need for new teams to acquire existing franchises in order to maintain stability in the sport. Sauber’s partnership with Audi for entry into F1 in 2026 was cited as an example of the right approach, where new entrants join forces with existing teams. Despite the rejection of Andretti’s bid by FOM, there is still a possibility for them to enter F1 by acquiring an existing team.
There were no indications of bias against Andretti by F1 management, according to Horner, who praised Liberty Media, F1’s American owner, for the growth and strengthening of the series. He clarified that the decision was based on the business model of Formula 1 and not on Andretti being American. Horner commended Liberty Media for creating a business model where even the least successful team in F1 holds a billion-dollar valuation. The focus remains on the business aspect and ensuring the stability and growth of the sport.
The Sauber team representative, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, highlighted the need for new entrants like Cadillac to follow the established process of acquiring existing teams. Although Cadillac is a significant player in the automotive industry, the recommended approach for entry into F1 is through buying into an existing team. The stringent process put in place by FOM ensures that new entrants can integrate smoothly into the sport, as demonstrated by Sauber’s partnership with Audi for their entry in 2026. Bravi acknowledged that Cadillac’s project is promising but emphasized the importance of following the established path.
The decision to block Andretti Cadillac’s entry into F1 has sparked a reaction from the U.S. Congress, with senators calling for an investigation into the potential antitrust violations by FOM. The involvement of high-profile figures such as Michael Andretti, son of 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, has made this issue a subject of interest both in the racing world and in the political arena. FOM’s promise to reconsider the application in 2028 indicates a willingness to explore alternative ways for new teams to enter the sport and compete at the highest level. The ongoing discussions between key stakeholders will shape the future landscape of F1 and determine the paths available for aspiring teams like Andretti Cadillac to join the prestigious series.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Andretti Cadillac’s bid to enter Formula 1 has raised questions about the process and criteria for new team entries. With various stakeholders, including FOM, the FIA, and prominent figures like Christian Horner and Michael Andretti, expressing their views on the matter, the debate continues about the best approach for new teams to join the sport. The partnership between Sauber and Audi serves as a model for successful entry, emphasizing the importance of aligning with existing teams to ensure a smooth transition into F1. The political involvement and calls for investigation add a new dimension to the discussion, highlighting the broader implications of F1’s decisions on the global stage. The future of Andretti Cadillac’s entry into F1 remains uncertain, but the willingness of key players to explore alternative solutions signals a potential pathway for new teams to realize their ambitions in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
