There is no time frame yet, but Michael Andretti claims he has a signed powertrain deal from F1's existing engine supplier. It is not known at this time who this is, but General Motors seems to have a good relationship with Honda. The debut of the new team is unlikely to take place before 2026 when the engine regulations will change.
In fact, the Andretti family has long been looking for ways to return to Formula 1, but the FIA has seemed to ignore all of their suggestions over the past few years. But now, with the support of a well-known car brand, it is a completely different matter. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has already welcomed this decision by Andretti Autosport and General Motors.
I welcome the news of the @Cadillac and @FollowAndretti partnership and the @FIA looks forward to further discussions on the FIA @F1 World Championship Expressions of Interest process pic.twitter.com/LQgbYDW0qM
— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) January 5, 2023“I welcome the news of the partnership between Cadillac and Andretti. The FIA looks forward to further discussions on the FIA World Championship Expressions of Interest process ," the FIA president wrote.The future Andretti Cadillac team will be based at the new Andretti Autosport headquarters currently under construction in Fishers, Indiana. But in addition, the team will have another base in the UK, probably near Brackley. Of course, Andretti, like all the Americans who will have 3 Grands Prix on the territory of the USA from next year, wants to see an American pilot on the starting grid. He could be Colton Herta, who competes for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar series.
"I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula 1 and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans. I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal. GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid,” said Michael Andretti.Andretti Autosport really has racing DNA. The Andretti family already includes 8 drivers of three generations: Mario Andretti (Formula 1 world champion, 1978); Aldo Andretti (his twin brother); Michael Andretti (son of Mario), Jeff Andretti (son of Mario); John Andretti (son of Aldo), Adam Andretti (son of Aldo), Marco Andretti (son of Michael, grandson of Mario), Jarett Andretti (son of John, grandson of Aldo). Andretti Autosport has teams in the IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, Indy Pro 2000, Formula E, Australian Supercars Championship, and Extreme E.
As for Cadillac, in the 1950-60s, this brand participated in NASCAR races, in the early 2000s exhibited prototypes in the American Le Mans Series, competed well in GT World Challenge America, and now competes with prototypes in IMSA SportsCar endurance races Championship.
