Despite receiving approval from F1, led by Stefano Domenicali, Andretti Global had their request rejected by the current team owners. The teams voted against any new F1 project, even with the FIA authority to grant entry to two additional teams. However, this setback did not discourage Michael Andretti. Last year, he began construction of the mega factory of Andretti Global in Indianapolis and today revealed a new 48,000 square foot building at Silverstone Park.
The team celebrated this achievement on Twitter, stating: “This is a significant milestone for Andretti Global as we prepare to enter the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.” During the opening ceremony, Andretti declared: “With the opening of our new facility at Silverstone Park, in the UK, we enter the next phase of our preparations to participate in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. We are honored to have the existing workforce of Andretti Cadillac UK, consisting of around 80 people, joining us today as we establish our new British base for the Andretti family as a whole.”
He further explained: “This new facility is a major achievement for Andretti Global. It is an independent property that can expand its operations as circumstances change. The versatile space will house various manufacturing facilities, including standards, models and machines workshops, ADM, electronics, R&D, as well as additional offices and meeting spaces. This location will work in collaboration with our main Andretti site in Indiana and our Formula E facility in Banbury, serving as a collaborative center for our global racing teams,” added the team principal.
During an interview with Sky F1 at the opening of their new facility in the UK, Andretti revealed: “We are still in partnership with FOM, and we will demonstrate the value we bring to the table. The involvement of General Motors is significant. They are not just joining us; they are becoming a vital part of our team. I don’t think people fully understand the magnitude of this. Once everyone understands what we are really building, it will reach a point where they cannot refuse.”
General Motors is currently developing an F1 Power Unit that will meet specifications by 2028, when F1 will consider their entry. However, Andretti argues that their application deserves an earlier entry, as GM is already building an engine and is registered to do so.
Andretti acknowledges that, although they have an engine until 2028, they need time to build their team and be competitive. They know that simply showing up in 2028 with a new engine and no team is not a viable option. They need two years to prepare and ensure their team is ready.
Andretti is not naive about the challenges they face. He has already accused F1 team bosses of dismissing their application as that of “bumpkins” due to the aggressive rejection of the concept of the 11th team.
The 10 F1 teams that hold power seem to believe they are the best in the world. However, teams like Williams and Alpine have ridiculed this claim with their mistakes and lack of direction. Furthermore, the issue of Red Bull having two teams raises questions about their independence and the influence of Mercedes and Ferrari over their customers.
In the words of Toto Wolff, who is critical of Andretti, what value do Williams, Alpine, and even Haas bring to F1 at the moment? And what about Sauber, which is currently in a state of uncertainty before the possible Audi takeover?
Michael asserts that his team will bring additional value to Formula 1: “We believe we will not be diluting resources, but rather helping to increase them. And when resources grow, everyone benefits more from it. It has been a bit frustrating, but we will make our point of view clear.”
The Andretti name has a rich history in motorsport, starting with the legendary Mario Andretti in Formula 1, followed by Michael himself as a racing driver, as well as other family members who have been involved in the sport. They also successfully manage teams that compete in various series around the world.
For Andretti, the F1 project would be the ultimate achievement for one of the largest racing organizations in the world. Andretti surpasses teams like Williams, Haas, and Sauber in terms of size and influence.
Andretti further elaborated: “General Motors is a big company, not a small entity. The fact that they have never been involved in Formula 1 and have chosen to partner with us speaks for itself. They did not want to do it alone; they wanted to collaborate with a team like ours. The approach we are taking is unprecedented and will have a significant impact on Formula 1, especially in the United States. We will be building a completely American car in America, with American owners, an American engine, and an American driver.”
“This has never been done before, and I believe it will be a game-changer for Formula 1. The American market, which still has tremendous untapped potential, will only benefit from this. For us, it’s an obvious choice, and I think most people would agree. We just need to convince Formula One Management (FOM) that it will be beneficial for everyone,” Andretti explained.
In terms of operations and logistics, Andretti provided more details: “So far, the F1 project has been divided between activities in Silverstone, Indiana, and the GM Tech Center in North Carolina. Our preparations started some time ago, focusing on crucial tasks such as gathering key personnel and focusing on activities that require a significant amount of time, including aerodynamic, mechanical, and vehicle dynamics design.
“The construction of the new facility will be carried out in stages, based on commercial and sporting needs, as well as workforce requirements. We have constantly emphasized the speed at which we are working, and this new facility embodies our commitment to that pace.
“Although our goal is to establish an American workforce, having a base in Europe provides an excellent opportunity to attract the best talent from the world of F1 and utilize cutting-edge machinery,” Andretti explained.
It is worth considering the statement made by the FIA about Andretti Global: “If the same rigorous entry criteria that were applied to our most recent expression of interest for Andretti and others had been applied when Haas sought to enter F1 in 2016, they would not have met the requirements.”
Ironically, despite being owned by an American corporation, Liberty Media, F1 is predominantly dominated by non-American teams who are making every effort to prevent a legitimate entry from the United States, a country where the sport is flourishing. There is something fundamentally wrong with this situation.
© 2024
Another scandal in the world of sports! This time, renowned soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo is involved in a controversy that is shocking the world. The athlete has been accused of tax fraud in the amount of millions of euros.
According to the investigations, Ronaldo allegedly used companies in tax havens to conceal part of his income. The fraud was discovered after a thorough analysis of the player’s finances.
The news has shaken the fans of the star, who did not expect this turn in his career. Many wonder if this accusation will affect his performance on the field.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, denies all accusations and claims to be a victim of persecution. His lawyers are already working to prove his innocence and ensure that the truth prevails.
Meanwhile, the world of soccer eagerly awaits the developments of this controversy. Will Cristiano Ronaldo be able to clear himself of this accusation and resume his brilliant career? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more information!
