Andretti apply for F1 team entry in 2024

LOS ANGELES: Formula One’s governing FIA said they are not currently in a position to consider interest from new teams, after former world champion Mario Andretti said his son Michael had applied to put a third Americanowned outfit on the grid by 2024.

Andretti senior announced the news on Twitter and in a subsequent interview with the Indianapolis Star said the team had even secured a power unit partner.

“His (Michael Andretti’s) entry, Andretti Global, has the resources and checks every box. He is awaiting the FIA’S determination,” the 1978 world champion wrote on Twitter.

“They’re far enough along that, if they get the approval to be added to the 10 teams that exist in F1, they’re ready to go the next day and put everything in place,” he later told the newspaper, adding the team would be based in England with the cars built in Indianapolis.

The application, if successful, would make Andretti Global the sport’s third Us-owned squad after Haas and Williams, which was acquired by Dorilton Capital in 2020.

New York-based investment group MSP Sports Capital also has a significant minority stake in Mclaren.

The FIA, however, said they were not yet considering any new teams.

“The FIA are not currently in a position to consider or comment on any expressions of interest or applications received from potential new entrant teams in respect of the FIA Formula One World Championship,” said a spokesperson for the Paris-based body.

Michael Andretti, who already has interests in Indycar, Formula E, Extreme E and sportscars, held talks to buy Alfa Romeo last year.

The former Indycar champion who briefly raced in F1 for Mclaren, in November said the negotiations broke down over “control issues”.