Andretti Accelerates Efforts For F1 Entry Amid Political Pressure

Andretti is ramping up its bid to secure a place in the Formula 1 paddock, intensifying both political and strategic efforts to gain entry.

The Hill, a US political newspaper, reports that with Congress already initiating an investigation into F1’s rejection of Andretti’s bid, another official probe may soon be underway. This time, a bipartisan group of senators has written a letter urging the Biden administration to examine whether F1’s decision breaches anti-trust laws.

The senators expressed “substantial concerns” that Formula 1 stakeholders may have “colluded to exclude Andretti-Cadillac to insulate themselves from competition on the track and in the European car market.”

On the same day, Andretti announced a significant addition to its team by securing the services of renowned F1 engineer Pat Symonds. Symonds will be taking ‘gardening leave’ from his current role as chief technical officer of Liberty Media-owned F1.

“Pat’s keen understanding of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and Formula 1 power units will be instrumental as we continue to build a competitive team,” said Michael Andretti. “I believe his expertise has been pivotal in shaping the narrative of Formula 1, and his vote of confidence in joining our effort speaks volumes.”

Joining Andretti as technical director is Nick Chester, who previously worked with Symonds at Renault. The two share a history of successful collaboration in F1.

Symonds, who is 70, will take on the role of ‘executive engineering consultant’ at Andretti, leveraging his extensive experience to bolster the team’s technical capabilities.

As Andretti’s push for an F1 entry gains momentum, the combination of political support and strategic hires like Symonds and Chester could prove pivotal in their quest to join the elite motorsport series.