American racing icon Michael Andretti has taken a significant step forward in his ambitious endeavour to establish a Formula One team. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed on Monday that Andretti has successfully met all the required criteria to expand the premier motorsports series to 11 teams.

This FIA approval, while pivotal, does not guarantee a two-car team for Andretti. His team, Andretti Global, in partnership with Cadillac, must now demonstrate their commercial value to F1 rights holder Liberty Media and existing teams. The existing teams, though not having a vote on expanding the grid, have voiced strong opposition to expanding the 20-car grid.

This initiative marks a significant chapter in Andretti’s three-year pursuit to resurrect the revered Andretti name in Formula One. Michael’s father, Mario Andretti, famously won the F1 championship in 1978, and Michael himself participated in 13 races during the 1993 season.

The Andrettis hold prestigious positions in American open-wheel racing history, with Michael and Mario ranking third and fourth respectively on IndyCar’s all-time win list. Their quest to reintroduce the Andretti legacy in Formula One gained traction, especially with the formal backing from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem emphasized that the FIA is obligated to approve applications that comply with the application requirements. Andretti Formula Racing LLC’s application has progressed to the next stage, being the sole entity that met the selection criteria comprehensively. Michael Andretti and his team were lauded for a thorough submission that fulfills the sporting, technical, and financial requirements set by the FIA.

This move by Andretti comes after a failed attempt in 2021 to purchase an existing team, leading to the recent “expression of interest” process initiated by the FIA for potential new teams. Andretti’s bid is notable for its collaboration with General Motors under the Cadillac banner, showcasing an American-centric approach.

However, challenges remain, with existing teams expressing resistance to grid expansion. They argue that substantial investments made in F1 should not be diluted by new entrants. The financial implications and the $200 million anti-dilution fee for new entrants are points of contention.

This development also presents an opportunity for F1 to tap into the American market’s popularity for European racing. The FIA’s support of the Andretti effort emphasizes the potential value that the Andretti name and General Motors can bring to the series, enticing more stakeholders and generating interest from major automotive players like Audi, Honda, Ford, Porsche, and General Motors.

This milestone demonstrates a significant progression in Michael Andretti’s dream to rekindle the Andretti legacy in Formula One, and the motorsports community eagerly anticipates how this journey unfolds.