American Formula 1 Takeover

Michael Andretti was given good news two weeks ago, He was told that the FIA believe he has met all required criteria to join the Billionaire Boys Club (aka Formula 1). This is huge news out of the highest racing league on the planet. Not only does this possibly increase the field by two cars but it also brings a whole new manufacturer and country into the fold of Formula 1. America is going to join the Formula 1 fan base and I don’t know if the world is prepared for this. This could also bring a new young American racing talent to the forefront of motorsports, and Cadillac joining as a main partner increases the American support and interest even more. 

[If you are reading this and have previous knowledge of Formula 1 skip ahead a paragraph]

The current F1 field has 20 cars, 10 teams that field two cars at every event. Andretti receiving  a bid means that the current field will grow by 2 cars and potentially 1 new American driver. The FIA is the governing body of Formula 1 and many other motorsport events around the world. The bid that was passed does not automatically allow Andretti to join the league; it must now go through a process in which they must field 2 drivers, a capable car, and sufficient funding to compete at a championship level. This was the third time that Andretti has applied to join this illustrious club and the first 2 were swiftly denied.

Andretti is not only bringing the American motorsports fanbase with him but he is also bringing a new engine manufacturer to the sport. Cadillac has been confirmed as a partner and has ended most of its racing divisions to move engineers towards a F1 engine. This brings a new manufacturer, a new team, and possibly a new American driver. 

As an IndyCar fan I have fallen in love with Colton Herta’s driving style. He is a young American driver with hands faster than the speed of light, and an attitude that bolsters his hunger for greatness. I have watched him intensely throughout his IndyCar career and there has been more than one time that he made a save that should have ended in a weekend ending crash. (I’ll link one of my favorite saves here so you can see him and his magic).The only thing standing in his way are super license points. This is where we could deep dive into the corruption of the FIA or how broken the super license points system is but I will save that for another blog. He had an average finish of 13th which would easily afford him the points if it were in F2 or any other FIA regulated series. I don’t know whether he should drive F2 in 2025 to ensure he has a super license when Andretti joins in 2026 or continue his pursuit for his first Indycar championship. Maybe and just maybe the FIA should grow a pair and see that IndyCar is more competitive than F2 and give it the respect it deserves. 

My final point is that Formula 1’s general fanbase isn't ready for the American fanbase. We have the most dedicated fanbase in the world with college football and its cult following. (see Texas A&M 1 minute mark) I truly believe that if the full force of American fans is unleashed on the Formula 1 community it could change the fanbase entirely, create stronger rivalries, and bring a new wave of fans and cash to the sport.