Pat Symonds was a key part of Formula 1 (F1) for seven years as its chief technical officer. He helped make rules for F1 cars in 2022 and 2026. Now, he’s leaving that job. He’ll start working for Andretti Global, owned by Michael Andretti. Symonds will be an Executive Engineering Consultant. He’ll work in the UK from the Silverstone base after a short break.
Michael Andretti, the owner of Andretti Global, is happy about this. He thinks Symonds will help make their team better. Nick Chester, who also worked with Symonds before, is Andretti’s technical director. He’s excited to have Symonds on the team too.
Andretti Global wants to join F1, and Symonds joining them is a big move. They’re working hard to get into F1, even though they were told no for 2026. But they’re preparing for 2028. Andretti Global wants to use engines from GM brand Cadillac.
Symonds has a long history in F1. He worked with Benetton and Renault, winning championships with Michael Schumacher. He left after a scandal but came back as a consultant. Then he worked for Williams before joining F1.
Some people in the US are upset that Andretti Global wasn’t allowed to join F1. Mario Andretti, a racing legend, went to Capitol Hill to talk about it. Members of Congress want answers. They think there might be antitrust issues.
Now, senators want the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to look into it. And the House’s Judiciary Committee is already investigating.
