With veteran of the paddock Otmar Szafnauer laying the groundwork, Andretti now faces competition from another American in his ambition to make the Formula 1 grid.
Despite obtaining FIA approval and forming a partnership with US automotive giant General Motors, American racing team Andretti was denied entry onto the Formula 1 grid.
In spite of this, Andretti has persisted in its attempts to break through the F1 door, establishing a new base at Silverstone and hiring people like Pat Symonds, the chief technical officer of Formula 1. Otmar Szafnauer is participating in a new US F1 project.
However, it appears that Szafnauer, who most recently served as the principal of the Alpine team before being fired during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend in 2023, is working on a competing concept, suggesting that Andretti is not the only American-based F1 hopeful.
He disclosed that he is now putting “building blocks in place” for the project he is working on, which has the “money” to enter the Formula One grid.
Szafnauer stated, “I’m a competitor, and the one thing that I like more than anything is the competition,” on the James Allen on F1 podcast.
Therefore, I don’t think I would be interested in returning to a position where I have no control over how effectively the team competes.
“I’d be interested in a position where I could help a team become more competitive by developing, building, and attracting the right people.”
However, there are only ten teams. Many of them already have individuals filling those jobs. I’m not sure how many openings exist, but the 11th and 12th teams are another possibility. That sounds like something I may be interested in.
“I’ve been collaborating with several North American groups that possess the capital to establish an eleventh squad.
“Andretti is not involved. Right now, all we’re doing is setting up a few of those foundational pieces to make sure we have all we need to successfully form a team and obtain entrance. Thus, that’s also intriguing, you know.
Due to the success of the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive, Formula 1 has seen a significant increase in popularity in the United States in recent years. Mario Andretti, the 1978 World Champion, recently expressed optimism to PlanetF1.com that they will eventually rejoin the F1 grid.
2026 is the year that Andretti plans to arrive.
“Well, everything is moving forward on all fronts,” he said to PlanetF1.com.
“We have formally inaugurated a facility in Silverstone at last. We’re working really hard, so I’m starting to feel hopeful. All of this is in front of us, and we’re placing in front of anything that might be necessary; all we have to do is reach a decision, hopefully soon.
“We’re putting in endless effort to meet every need. We simply cross our fingers from there.
We’ve been working quickly in every area to help the cause because we want to demonstrate that we’re not just talking the talk but also walking the walk when it comes to this endeavour.
Is Andretti eligible to compete in Formula One?
Show me the outcome “We have a good number of team members already assembled here, and we have some intriguing people on the waiting list for our official Formula 1 approval.
All we’re attempting to demonstrate is that everything is as it ought to be. All of this is undoubtedly driven by General Motors, which is why it’s critical that we include a manufacturer who has never competed in Formula One.
“I believe that having a full US team participating should be encouraged by the fact that Formula One is so well-known in the US. I’m remaining upbeat, without a doubt.
In order to be allowed to compete on the grid, a new Formula 1 team must currently pay a $200 million anti-dilution charge, which will be divided among current rivals. However, starting in 2026, the fee is anticipated to rise in accordance with the new Concorde Agreement.
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