Andretti-Cadillac announces stunning signing as they look to join F1

F1 may have said no, but Andretti-Cadillac has made their biggest move yet in their bid to join the grid

Formula One Management (FOM), Formula 1’s commercial rights holders, may have told the proposed Andretti-Cadillac team no.

But Andretti-Cadillac is forging on, doing everything they can to get FOM to say yes.

The potential F1 team announced a stunning signing on Tuesday, as Pat Symonds will soon join the organization as an executive engineering consultant. Symonds has a wealth of experience working within F1, and his resume includes working as a race engineer with Michael Schumacher at Benetton, and with Fernando Alonso at Renault. Symonds was also the Chief Technical Officer at Williams, and is coming off seven years as F1’s Chief Technical Officer.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Pat to the Andretti family,” said Michael Andretti. “Pat’s keen understanding of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and Formula 1 power units will be instrumental as we continue to build a competitive team.

“I believe his expertise has been pivotal in shaping the narrative of Formula One and his vote of confidence in joining our effort speaks volumes. I’m really happy with this next step as our work continues at pace.”

“With a career spanning several decades, Symonds has a depth of experience in Formula One, having worked with some of the sport’s most iconic teams and drivers,” added Andretti. “His partnerships with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso produced 32 race wins, four Drivers’ World Championships and three Constructors’ World Championships.”

Last year the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the motorsport governing body which includes F1 under their purview, invited proposed team to apply for a spot on the F1 grid. The proposed Andretti-Cadillac bid was approved by the FIA, but it was at the next stage of the process — consideration by the FOM — where the bid was rejected.

Despite that denial, the proposed Andretti-Cadillac team has forged ahead with their work. They opened a new facility in Silverstone, and have moved to add even more personnel with an eye towards joining the grid at some point in the future.

This latest move, termed a “coup” in some F1 circles, might be their biggest step yet.