F1 a huge step closer to getting brand new TEAM as one of the most famous racing families gets green light

ANDRETTI’S hopes of making it on to the grid have received a boost after their application was approved by the FIA.

However, they now face a waiting game to see if F1 will approve their place on the grid for 2026.

APThe Andretti family may have an F1 team by 2026[/caption]

F1’s existing teams are secretly not happy about the idea of Andretti, ran by Michael Andretti, the son of Mario Andretti, who won the 1978 F1 title, sharing their prize fund.

Andretti Racing, which is based at Silverstone, would bring one of the most famous racing families to F1, not to mention another American angle that would suit Liberty Media’s plan to increase the sport’s appeal in the US.

Their application involved meeting stringent criteria and allows them to progress to the next stage of the process.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure. 

“Our objective, after rigorous due diligence during the application phase, was to only approve prospective entries which satisfied the set criteria and illustrated that they would add value to the sport.

“The FIA is obliged to approve applications that comply with the Expressions of Interests application requirements and we have adhered to that procedure in deciding that Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application would proceed to the next stage of the application process. 

“In taking that decision, the FIA is acting in accordance with EU directives on motor sport participation and development.  

“Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects.

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“I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission.

“I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.”