Andretti’s proposal received approval from the FIA on October 2. However, it is still pending the second stage of approval from the F1 organization and its CEO, Stefano Domenicali.
Since October, the team has been actively engaged in wind tunnel testing at Toyota’s facility in Cologne. Recently, the team unveiled the first image of its 2024-spec model, anticipating a transition into a comprehensive 2025 test program if the entry is confirmed early.
Despite awaiting final approval, the team has been expanding its workforce at the Silverstone design base, soon to be relocated to a larger nearby facility.
Additional research and development efforts are underway at the GM motorsport headquarters in Charlotte, where 50 more individuals have joined the project alongside the existing 70 personnel in the UK.
Nick Chester, the technical director, emphasized that the design team is working tirelessly, assuming eventual approval from F1 for a debut in either 2025 or 2026. Chester stated, “I think everyone’s reasonably confident given the funding, the Andretti name, the tie-up with GM, GM doing their own power unit for ’28, that it should happen.”
While there is no specific cutoff date for confirmation of entry, Chester emphasized the importance of early confirmation for better planning. He explained, “It’s really tricky because you want to have that confirmation of entry and an entry date so that you can time the recruitment of all of your staff.”
The team is currently testing a 2024 model for developmental purposes, focusing on refining processes as a new team comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including those directly from the university, collaborates.
Regarding a potential switch to a 2026 entry date, Chester highlighted the challenges in adapting to new rules, especially when they are not fully defined yet. He mentioned, “That’s a tricky switchover to make. Obviously with ’26, the rules aren’t all defined yet. There’s a bit of a CAD model out there, and there’s some intent. But there’s not a full set of regulations yet. So that makes it a little tricky to switch over.”