“Formula 1 Rejects Andretti Team’s 2026 Bid, Leaves Door Ajar for 2028” 

F1 recently announced its decision to reject an offer from Andretti Racing to join the team as an 11th team for the 2025 or 2026 season. The proposal was first passed by former McLaren driver Michael Andretti and his father, 1978 world champion Mario Andretti. The FIA ​​set up the approval phase in October. However, final approval rests with F1 based on commercial merit.

Formula 1 management, which owns the commercial rights to the sport, explained in a detailed statement that the mere presence of an 11th team would not increase the value of the championship. The main reason given was a lack of confidence in the new team’s competitiveness. F1’s insistence that new teams must agree to provide mandatory power units, potentially for multiple seasons, would damage the championship’s reputation and standing.

Martin Brundle expressed concerns that rejecting Andretti’s proposal could strain relations between the FIA and F1. Brandl said: “Requiring new teams to adopt a mandatory power unit supply, which could last for multiple seasons, would be detrimental to the prestige and standing of the championship.”

Mario Andretti was disappointed with the decision and took to social media to share his disappointment. Although Andretti’s team has officially stated that it “strongly denies” F1’s reports, F1’s official statement also questioned the value of the Andretti brand to the sport, saying that although the Andretti name is recognized by F1 fans, research shows that the F1 brand adds value to Andretti, not the other way around.

Although the Andretti family is considered one of the most famous names in motorsport, F1 has made its position clear that the team’s addition will not bring the ideal standards to the championship.

However, F1 has closed the door on the possibility of the team competing in 2028. While the decision is disappointing for Andretti fans, there is still hope that the team can overcome the challenges faced by F1 and potentially become part of the prestigious Formula 1 racing circuit. in the near future.