The Andretti-Cadillac project become more and more real as the days pass, with the team now formally beginning the process of joining the F1 grid.
Andretti Global have been interested in becoming the 11th team on the grid for some time but have always seen their efforts rejected by Formula 1, who have claimed that they do not want to risk the stability of the sport.
Since partnering with General Motors and becoming Andretti-Cadillac however, the project has become a lot more appealing to F1 officials, with such a massive brand being difficult to turn down.
After FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem took to Twitter to express his interest in expanding the grid and allowing Andretti-Cadillac to become a part of the sport, things have moved quickly.
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The FIA have now officially opened their Expression of Interest process which allows “entities with a serious intent to enter Formula 1,” to begin the process.
A spokesperson for General Motors has now confirmed to PlanetF1.com that they are following up on the FIA beginning this process by formulating an official response.
“The FIA is being very diligent, transparent and fair in their evaluation of expanding the F1 grid,” said the spokesperson.
“With the release of the Call for Expressions of Interest, we are diligently working to respond.
“We feel strongly that GM and Andretti’s deep racing competencies form a distinctly American team that will heighten enthusiasm for F1 races, globally.”
Many team principals in the paddock have expressed their concern about expanding the F1 grid, no matter who the new entrant is.
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From a financial point of view, the current teams are concerned that an 11th team would see the prize money in the sport split another way, resulting in every team getting less money every season.
It is important to note that an agreement will need to be found between the FIA and Formula 1, as both parties have an important say in the potential expansion of the F1 grid.
The relationship between F1 and the FIA is currently very tense due to this disagreement, but reports have revealed that positive talks have begun between the two parties.