$39B Partner Snubs F1’s Diktat to Join Forces With Andretti; Picks Las Vegas GP to Seal F1 Commitment

The Las Vegas GP in a week will be the first of its kind. Well, it won’t be the first time Formula 1 goes to Sin City, but it’ll be the first edition of the Las Vegas GP. Something else that has happened in F1 before but could take flight again in Vegas would be the possibility of more than 10 teams in the sport. Yes, F1 has competed with more than 10 teams. But this time, it’ll be the first time the 11th team could possibly be Andretti F1, and that possibility could be sealed at the Las Vegas GP.

Last year, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem opened the doors for new teams to enter the sport. As per the agreement signed between F1, the FIA, and the 10 teams, a maximum of 12 teams can compete in the sport. Seeing this, Michael Andretti led a ‘true American bid’ for Andretti to join F1. Much to their liking, FIA gave it the green light. Now, all that’s left to do is convince F1—something Andretti hopes to do in Vegas.

The Las Vegas GP could be Andretti’s ticket into F1

Andretti is a popular name in American motorsport. But who doesn’t want to compete in the pinnacle of motorsport? Andretti saw an opportunity and it started working toward it. In January 2023, Andretti announced a partnership with $39 billion-worth automotive giant, General Motors. As part of their partnership, Cadillac will represent GM if Andretti does make it to F1. Now that they’ve passed the initial stage of getting accepted into F1, together, they’re working together to convince Formula One Management that it will add value to the sport.

Shortly after the FIA’s approval though, there were reports that F1 asked GM if it would like to partner with any other team rather than Andretti. Since the possibility of more than 10 teams in F1 came up, teams and F1’s senior-level management have been against the idea. This would explain why F1 approached GM. But staying true to its partnership, GM has gone against F1’s wishes. As reported by the Associated Press, GM President Mark Reuss said, “GM is committed to partnering with Andretti to race in F1.” 

Reuss drove home the point. “The collaboration between Andretti-Cadillac brings together two unique entities built for racing, both with long pedigrees of success in motorsport globally.” With this in mind, GM will send a group of executives to the Las Vegas GP to talk to F1 management in person. Especially considering that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hasn’t been returning their communications. 

Read More: As Andretti’s F1 Entry Ruffles Feathers, FIA’s Verdict Plays Right Into Max Verstappen’s Hands

If GM’s talks with F1 go smoothly in Vegas, it’ll bring Andretti another step closer to the F1 entry it so desperately wants. But convincing F1 is the most difficult hurdle. Something else Andretti needs to worry about? The other teams’ aversion to an 11th constructor.

Andretti would ruin the dynamics of F1

In F1, teams get prize money at the end of the season based on their finishing positions. There’s a set percentage of the prize money teams get from the prize pool. If an 11th team comes into the sport, that would automatically mean the percentage each constructor gets would reduce. Considering F1 is a money-minded business, and so are the teams, that’s not something they want. Although they’ve asked Andretti to pay an anti-dilution fee, teams are still averse to the American team’s entry.

Although many team principals and bosses have publicly stated that they wouldn’t want an 11th team, no one put it as clearly as Lawrence Stroll did. As per a video posted by Sky Sports on Twitter (now X), Stroll said, “I think F1, the business, at the moment, is on fire. The sport’s never been in a better place, and I believe, ‘If it ain’t broke, you don’t need to fix it.’ So, I’m a strong believer that it’s working really well with 10 teams right now. I believe that’s the way it should stay. The sport and the business are on fire. There’s never been more fans or spectators. The audience is the highest it’s ever been.”

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Do you think Andretti and GM can seal their case to join F1 at the Las Vegas GP?