Amidst F1’s Michael Andretti Refusal, Kyle Larson’s High Limit Racing Opens Sprint Car’s Door for Andretti Global

F1 is not impressed by Andretti Global’s bid to enter the sport in 2025. Had the decision-making body agreed to the proposal, Andretti would have become the 11th team on the grid starting from 2025 or 2026. However, triggering a massive change in the system like that has been deemed unfavorable by Formula One Management. Andretti Global is led by 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti and his son Michael Andretti, who are looking for a window to showcase their team’s prowess in partnership with Cadillac.

However, despite F1’s rejection, Michael Andretti and Co have found some suitors in the country. Leading the charge is Kyle Larson‘s High Limit Racing. Following the news of F1 rejecting Andretti’s hopeful bid, High Limit extended a hand of support on X. Considering that owners Larson and Brad Sweet are set to expand the competition by introducing charter systems starting this year, this could be a rewarding opportunity for Andretti.

Michael Andretti’s team has a new suitor

One of the major reasons behind Formula 1 having second thoughts about Andretti’s participation is the team’s engine-supplying partner, Cadillac. The General Motors-owned company submitted its application to transition into a power-unit manufacturer in the sport in November 2023. However, the terms of the agreement do not come into play until 2028.

Formula 1 iterated that Michael Andretti’s company could face some difficulties in keeping up with the competition and would get its chance potentially in 2028 through a statement that read, “The most significant way in which a new entrant would bring value is by being competitive,” the F1 statement read, adding, “We do not believe that the applicant would be a competitive participant.”

“The need for any new team to take a compulsory power unit supply, potentially over a period of several seasons, would be damaging to the prestige and standing of the Championship”, it further read.

Looking at Mario Andretti’s dejection as an opportunity to start a new partnership, High Limit Racing’s official Twitter handle promptly posted, “Hey @AndrettiGlobal, let’s talk.” 

High Limit Racing has begun adding full-time drivers to its roster, with notable names like 5-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, and Rico Abreu in the ranks. Michael Andretti’s entry to the competition would mean a significant financial and reputational boost for the tourney.

Formula One Management, the sport’s commercial rights holder, believes that should Andretti be included in the 10-team competition, a lack of competitiveness could backfire instantly. Having another team also implies the division of the prize pool between 11 teams rather than 10. Existing F1 teams opposed this structural change, and as a result, the bid was rejected.

The decision hasn’t found many defenders in the racing community. From drivers to fans, people have criticized F1’s decision to prevent Michael Andretti’s entry into F1 as a team owner, as the team reiterated its competence through an official statement.

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Andretti Cadillac voices its disagreement

IndyCar driver Conor Daly was one of the drivers to express his disappointment at F1’s response to Andretti’s application. Daly shared his frustration on Twitter as he wrote, “One of the top 5 dumbest statements I’ve ever read.”

Michael Andretti’s team didn’t hold back either. Establishing the quality of the team and its commitment to race on the global stage, the team released a statement that read:

“Andretti Cadillac has reviewed the information Formula One Management Limited has shared and strongly disagree with its contents. Andretti and Cadillac are two successful global motorsports organizations committed to placing a genuine American works team in F1, competing alongside the world’s best.”

“We are proud of the significant progress we have already made on developing a highly competitive car and power unit with an experienced team behind it, and our work continues at pace.”

The statement is a solid response to F1’s rejection. Well, High Limit Racing could undoubtedly use some of Andretti’s abilities in the Sprint Car circuit. With progressive owners at the helm of the competition, this could also be a launchpad for Andretti to field a team in NASCAR soon.

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