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So far, Michael Andretti's teams have primarily started in US racing series
Photo: Memmler / IMAGO / Eibner
The American car manufacturer General Motors wants to enter Formula 1 together with Andretti Global of racing driver Michael Andretti.
The two companies announced this on Thursday in a digital press conference.
They did not specify an exact entry date, but this is possible at the earliest for the 2026 season, when the new engine regulations take effect.
"We'll be on the track as fast as it makes sense," said Michael Andretti, son of racing legend Mario Andretti.
They are confident that it will be soon.
"Today is the first step on the historic path that General Motors will hopefully start in Formula 1," said GM President Mark Reuss.
A corresponding declaration of intent is to be filed with the International Automobile Association as soon as the process is formally opened.
The team will start under the GM brand Cadillac, it would be called Andretti Cadillac.
This would increase the starting field of Formula 1 to eleven racing teams.
Andretti would be the second US team alongside Haas.
The door is generally open to new teams
Only at the beginning of the week did Fia President Mohammed bin Sulayem emphasize that the association would be looking for new teams.
It was also a clear signal to the racing teams that had shown themselves to be less enthusiastic about a possible newcomer and eleventh team.
Because then the proceeds from the commercial rights holder Liberty Media would have to be shared with one more team.
Andretti emphasized that Formula 1 is still a Fia racing series.
FIA boss bin Sulayem tweeted immediately after the end of the press conference that he "welcomed" the news.
The clear top candidate for one of the two cockpits that would then exist is Colton Herta.
The 22-year-old comes from the USA and is already under contract with Andretti Autosport for the IndyCar series.
cev/dpa