Andretti Autosport, one of the most important names in American motorsport, has encountered an obstacle on its way to Formula 1. Despite their hopes and efforts, their request to join the grid in 2025 was rejected by the commercial rights holders of F1. However, it's not all bad news for Andretti: the doors remain open for a possible entry in 2028.
In October, the FIA recognized that Andretti's technical capabilities were robust enough to justify their entry into the competition. This recognition was a crucial step, but not the only one required. According to the Concord Agreement, which governs much of the F1 structure, any new team needs to close a commercial deal with Liberty Media, the owners of F1, before they can compete.
The negotiation of such a commercial agreement is a complicated process. F1 has been cautious about expanding its grid, insisting that any new team must demonstrate a clear benefit to the sport. In this regard, Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, emphasized in the summer that any decision must be right for the business, and it is a joint duty of the FIA and F1 to ensure this.
Although this news may be a setback for Andretti, it also offers a glimmer of hope. The possibility of Andretti joining as the 11th team in 2028 is still on the table, opening the door to future negotiations and opportunities. This potential delay highlights the complex nature of Formula 1, not only as a sport but also as a business entity.
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