The FIA (F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l’Automobile) has finally approved Andretti’s application to join Formula One as the 11th team on the grid.<\/p>\n
The governing body released a statement announcing that Andretti was the only applicant who got approved. However, the FIA’s approval doesn’t guarantee a place on the grid. The Andretti team will now have to reach a satisfactory deal with FOM – F1’s commercial rights holders.<\/p>\n
Formula 1 released a statement, stating, “We note the FIA’s conclusions in relation to the first and second phases of their process and will now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application.”<\/p>\n
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, reiterated that the governing body has been very thorough in its process to approve Andretti to move to the final stages.<\/p>\n
He stated, “The FIA was very clear in establishing stringent criteria for entry from the outset of the Expressions of Interest procedure.” He further added, “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.”<\/p>\n
The FIA President also mentioned, “Andretti Formula Racing LLC was the only entity which fulfils the selection criteria that was set in all material respects. I congratulate Michael Andretti and his team on a thorough submission. I also want to thank all prospective teams for their interest and participation.”<\/p>\n
To get into F1, the teams have to prove their capabilities in sporting, technical and financial aspects. The team also has to explain its sustainability plans and their positive societal impact.<\/p>\n