Andretti issued a statement regarding FIA's approval of Andretti Formula Racing LLC to join the Formula One Grid.
Andretti Formula Racing has been approved as the only one of four applicants to pass the rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process. This marks the end of the second out of three "phases" that a team needs to pass in order to be accepted to compete in F1.
While this means Andretti is one step closer to achieving its dreams, the process is far from being over and nothing is certain yet. The next step involves convincing stakeholders in F1 to approve the application. F1 has the right and ability to refuse. Following the FIA approval, F1 issued a statement:
"We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application"
Following the great news of FIA approval, Andretti also issued a response statement expressing appreciation for the diligent evaluation process carried out by the FIA. They also acknowledged the milestone the team would achieve by possibly joining Formula One in the future.
"Andretti Cadillac is honored that the FIA has approved Andretti Formula Racing's Expression of Interest for the FIA Formula One World Championship. We appreciate the FIA's rigorous, transparent, and complete evaluation process and are incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to compete in such a historic and prestigious Championship."
"The formation of this distinctly American team is an important moment of pride for all our employees and fans. We feel strongly that Andretti Cadillac's deep racing competencies and the technological advancements that come from racing will benefit our customers while heightening enthusiasm for F1, globally."
Andretti wanted to join the F1 grid as soon as 2025, however even if the application was successful, it would take a long time to get there. Currently, the F1 assessment has to be carried out and from what can be understood, the process might take multiple months. Andretti is currently waiting to negotiate with the F1 stakeholders.
'We look forward to engaging with all of the stakeholders in Formula One as we continue our planning to join the grid as soon as possible"