Andretti partners with Cadillac for F1 bid as FIA mulls entry pathway

Andretti Autosport has announced a partnership with Cadillac in the team's bid to enter the Formula 1 world championship.

The partnership between two American powerhouses in the automotive and motorsport sectors is the latest step in Andretti's ambitious campaign to join the F1 grid.

The partnership, between Andretti Global and General Motors, would be branded Andretti Cadillac.

The team would be based in the United States, with a support facility in the United Kingdom.

“We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next," said team chairman and CEO Michael Andretti.

"I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans."

"I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal."

"GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing."

"We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid."

Andretti has been on a long-term mission to enter Formula 1, seeking to convince current teams to approve an eleventh entry.

Despite reaching up to twelve teams in current years, F1 is reluctant to add a new entrant as it would dilute championship payments to existing teams.

“Together, we will continue to follow procedures and steps put forth by the FIA during the evaluation process," said Andretti.

"In the meantime, we continue to optimistically prepare should we be fortunate enough to have Andretti Cadillac formally approved as a Formula One contender.”

The announcement comes just days after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced the organisation was considering an Expression of Interest process for prospective new F1 teams.

"I welcome the news of the Cadillac and Andretti partnership and the FIA looks forward to further discussions on the FIA F1 World Championship Expressions of Interest process," tweeted Ben Sulayem.

An Andretti spokesperson said "the team is planning to submit an Expression of Interest when the FIA opens the formal process."

"If selected, the team is seeking to compete as soon as practical with at least one American driver."

F1 has targeted the United States for growth in recent times, with the launch of F1 TV, extended television coverage on ESPN, and two new races in Miami and Las Vegas.

Netflix series Drive to Survive has also prompted a surge in popularity for the sport globally.

Andretti competes in a range of global and top-level series, from Extreme E and Formula E, to Indycar and IMSA in the USA and Supercars in Australia.

The team's ambition is to launch a fully American entry in the Formula 1 World Championship - building on the entry of the Haas F1 team in 2016 who partnered with Ferrari.