Just a few hours after I wrote about the steps Andretti Global is taking in preparation to enter Formula One, Formula One Management (FOM) has denied their entry. This after gaining the approval of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) after a lengthy and thorough vetting process. The rejection wasn’t a total surprise given the lack of support FOM and it’s teams have given to new entries. What is surprising is how harsh it was. Andretti Global was quick to respond and mentioned that they will continue to work on their project.
This isn’t over by any means, in fact it’s just getting started.
Hey, if Dikembe Mutombo isn’t giving up, neither are the Andrettis.
The news of the rejection certainly elicited a reaction. It blew up on Twitter/X early this morning US time when the news came out. There was a lot of commentary, especially on the British motorsports and media accounts surrounding this. Also, many drivers from other series added their thoughts on the matter. The overwhelming impression is that FOM was making a huge mistake by not allowing Andretti Global to enter Formula One.
I have some thoughts too but want to process them into something coherent before posting here. For now, both sides in this conflict are digging in their heels and bracing for the next phase. This one will involve many lawyers, corporations, and courts on both sides of the Atlantic. So settle in for a long slog, this one won’t be over anytime soon.
