Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner recently shed light on the challenges faced by Andretti Cadillac in their bid to enter the Formula 1 racing circuit. According to Steiner, the American team’s approach might have ruffled some feathers, leading to resistance and ultimately, rejection by the Formula One Management (FOM).
Despite this setback, Andretti Cadillac continues to show determination, developing its operations in a 40,000 square foot facility strategically located near the Silverstone circuit. Their goal remains clear: to join Formula 1 in the upcoming years, signaling a commitment to the sport despite the setback for the 2024 season.
At the crux of Andretti Cadillac’s strategy is their plan to enter Formula 1 by acquiring an existing team, considered the most viable path. However, with no suitable team available for acquisition, their application to enter as a new team moved forward and received approval from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), an essential hurdle cleared in their journey to the F1 grid.
Commenting on the aftermath of the Andretti Cadillac-FOM altercation, Steiner’s perspective was grim. “I think it’s a little bit late to navigate,” he stated, highlighting the difficulty of reversing the decision. He further elaborated on the complexity of mending bruised relationships within the tight-knit community of Formula 1. “To get out of that it will be very difficult because when you go somewhere to upset or disagree with so many people, it’s difficult to make up for that,” Steiner explained.
Using a metaphor to describe the situation, Steiner said, “If I want to be invited to a party, I need to be nice. If I upset the bouncer, he doesn’t let me in.” This analogy underscores the networking and diplomacy often necessary in the business-dominated environment of Formula 1.
Meanwhile, rumors had circulated about a potential sale of the Haas F1 Team to Andretti, which could have provided an easier entry point into the sport. However, Gene Haas, the owner of Haas F1, has confirmed that the team is not for sale, casting further doubt on Andreti’s immediate options for entry.
Steiner also expressed uncertainty regarding the strategic directions of Haas F1 under Gene Haas’s ownership. “I was there a long time and I still don’t know what he wants to do,” he remarked. Reflecting on his past experiences and the unpredictable nature of team decisions, he added, “I didn’t know last year, I didn’t know two years ago and I don’t know what he thinks of the long term. I’m not avoiding the question, I just don’t know what he thinks because he could be thinking something today and something different tomorrow.”
Steiner’s insights reveal the complexity and often unpredictable nature of Formula 1’s behind-the-scenes maneuverings, where team dynamics, business decisions, and interpersonal relationships intertwine to influence the sport’s evolving landscape. As Andreti Cadillac forges ahead with its ambitions, the motorsports community watches closely, anticipating the next moves in this high-speed chess game.
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