Andretti’s attempt at joining the Formula 1 grid in 2025 is reportedly General Motors’ only hope of joining the paddock, with the company not being interested in working with any other team.
Should Andretti’s application to join the grid be rejected, then General Motors “won’t be coming back”.
This is according to RACER F1 reporter Chris Medland, who’s effectively been told that it’s “Andretti or nothing” for General Motors.
Andretti are widely expected to receive approval from the FIA to join the paddock, with the American team already working on plans to race in 2025.
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The famous team are also committed to entering a team into Formula 2 and Formula 3, something which isn’t done by any side currently on the F1 grid.
Andretti are trying to join the sport through a partnership with General Motors’ Cadillac division; however, one concern amongst the current teams is that the outfit might purchase engines from Renault and simply stick a Cadillac badge on them.
“From what I’ve been told, GM has said it’s Andretti or nothing for it in F1, and if its bid is snubbed it won’t be coming back,” Medland wrote.
“Maybe McLaren would try and open talks if Andretti is unsuccessful, but I don’t think it’ll get anywhere before we know the outcome of that bid.”
Should Andretti surprisingly get rejected by the FIA, then some have suggested that McLaren could be an option for General Motors.
The Woking-based side have links with Andretti through CEO Zak Brown, who has a controlling stake in Walkinshaw Andretti United team in the Supercars Championship, as does Michael Andretti.
Andretti’s intent to join the pinnacle of motorsport has been praised by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who publicly backed the company through a series of tweets earlier in the year.
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The FIA are open to approving two new teams, which would see the grid increase to 24 cars.
Formula 1 hasn’t had 24 cars since 2012, with that number having decreased to 22 in 2013 following the exit of HRT.
Caterham’s departure at the end of 2014 then reduced the grid to 20 cars, a number which is liked by the current teams.