The status of Andretti’s F1 entry (which morphed into a Cadillac/General Motors project before approval) was a major talking point last season.
For most of the year, there was uncertainty about whether FOM (Formula One Management) would accept an 11th team.
However, with Cadillac’s 2026 bid eventually confirmed, other projects have reason to believe they could be accepted – especially if they come with the support of a major manufacturer.
The criteria for a 12th F1 team
As stipulated by the Concorde Agreement, an entry fee of at least $200 million is necessary for a team to join Formula 1.
Notably, it is understood that Cadillac paid significantly more than this to secure their place.
This payment is seen as necessary to compensate existing teams for their prize money being diluted. Of course, this fee also weeds out any candidates that lack the financial muscle to compete in F1.
For the FIA, who have already made clear a 12th team is possible under the current rules, were generally supportive of Cadillac’s project being accepted.
Assuming a new entrant meets the necessary criteria, the FIA are unlikely to show any resistance.
However, as shown in last year’s extensive Andretti saga, certain factors could make negotiations with FOM far easier.
In short, the presence of a massive manufacturer like General Motors helped tip the scale for Cadillac. Much like with Audi and Ford, F1 showed enthusiasm at the prospect of another manufacturer on the grid.
With this in mind, a squad capable of producing its own power units would stand the best chance of expanding the grid.
Szafnauer working on 12th team
A little more than 18 months ago, Otmar Szafnauer was tasked with leading Alpine to the front.
From the beginning of 2022 until summer 2023, the 60-year-old was team principal at the Enstone squad.
His rather abrupt dismissal, attributed to the team’s inadequate results, kick-started another transitional period at Alpine.
READ MORE: FIA President Ben Sulayem insists 12th team is possible
Still, Szafnauer’s impressive leadership at Force India makes him an ideal candidate to lead a new team.
Since leaving Alpine, Szafnauer has been collaborating with a manufacturer about entering a 12th team.
He explained the status of these projects to Planet F1:
“I’ve been working with some American funders and some car manufacturers to look at a 12th team for the future.
“At the time when I started the project, it was going to be the 11th team. But now Cadillac is in, so they’ve got the 11th spot.
“So when they open up the process of adding the 12th team, I hope to be able to put in a robust case.
“To allow the 12th team to go to the people that I have funding it. As well as the manufacturer that I’m working with.”
Although Cadillac will be the fresh faces on the block in 2026, other manufacturers have been linked with F1 in the long-term.
Should Szafnauer get a manufacturer onboard, he could enjoy some success in negotiations with FOM to enter another team on the grid.
However, whatever offer he eventually presents must be convincing enough to outweigh any opposition to expanding the field further.
