General Motors, a global automotive powerhouse, has committed to supporting Andretti's venture into the world of Formula 1.
Recently, it has been revealed that U.S. legislators are examining the perceived anti-competitive practices of Formula 1 that have prevented Andretti from joining the grid.
"It's a fight that I never thought we'd have to fight - to beg to get into the series," stated former McLaren driver Michael Andretti in an interview with the New York Times.
Michael Andretti had anticipated that Cadillac's backing—a GM brand—would ease the process of gaining approval for the F1 project.
"Unfortunately, the goal posts started moving a bit, and I think it was because of pressure from the teams," Michael remarked.
Current F1 team leaders, however, have shown hesitation in discussing the ongoing U.S. congressional investigation into the situation with Andretti.
"I think Formula 1 and the FIA have both taken their positions and they don't seem to be changing," noted McLaren CEO Zak Brown. "I think all the teams have said that we don't have a vote in that matter."
Nevertheless, General Motors is determined to continue its support for Andretti, targeting a Formula 1 debut in 2026.
"I think everyone in the world disagrees with it," commented GM's motorsport director Eric Warren, addressing the opposition from Formula One Management to the Andretti-Cadillac initiative.
"That support has driven us to continue this. I always separate challenges into technical and political, and this is certainly both, heavier towards the political," added Warren.
Andretti has already established a Formula 1 base at Silverstone, actively assembling a team and developing a car.
"We are rolling the dice a bit, but it shows how confident we are because our partners would not be spending the money they are spending right now if they didn't feel confident that we're going to be able to show the world, and the teams, that we should be welcome, because it's only going to help raise the tide for all boats," said Andretti.
In the worst-case scenario, Andretti might have to delay its F1 entry until 2028 when GM is prepared with a factory power unit.
"We're not letting ourselves think that way," Andretti stated. "If there comes a time we have to think about it, then we will, but we feel very strongly we won't have to."
GM maintains this steadfast resolve as well, as Warren insists.
"We made the statement from a technical point of view that we are committed to it and we will not let it fail," he declared.
"Our company races, and has raced successfully, in every race series we compete in. Anyone who looks will see that. There are many high-level, experienced F1 personnel consistently at our door. They see what we're doing."
"We owe it to our fans and the two brands to bring something unique to them." body check tags ::
