By Joe Murphy
F1 has a new team for 2026 and it’s taken the FIA long enough to confirm this news. It’s been three years since Andretti entered talks to establish an 11th team in the elite level of motorsport. Each time, hurdles and obstacles got in the way and prevented the deal from crossing the line.
Well now, it’s been confirmed. F1 will have 11 teams from 2026. With engineers and scouts reportedly in place, the team is hopeful to compete from the off. With drivers yet to be announced, speculation has already begun, with Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher all touted names. It isn’t clear whether Andretti has given the green light to these names but the commercial attractiveness of these three in particular would certainly benefit the team. There is also a thought process that an American driver could be a good fit, paving the way for Logan Sergeant to return to Formula 1. Frederik Vesti, who is actually contracted to Cadillac in 2025, is thought to be on Mercedes’ radar and may feel a move to join Toto Wolff is his preference.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised the move which should drive even more revenue to the sport: “I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship.” This move then, does appear to be huge news.
It’s worth remembering that the new regulations come into place in F1 from next year, so Cadillac would have to meet those requirements from immediately. Perhaps this gives the American team an advantage, with other constructors like Red Bull and McLaren having to focus on 2025 cars whilst Cadillac won’t have that distraction.
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