The high-octane dream of seeing American racing sensation Colton Herta blaze a trail in Formula 1 has been abruptly halted. The ambitious joint bid from motorsport giants Andretti Global and automotive titan Cadillac (General Motors) to join the F1 grid has been formally rejected by the FIA for the 2025 season.
The decision delivers a crushing blow to Herta, who was the cornerstone of the project and the intended driver for the new team. Despite the team's formidable backing and a clear intent to feature the 23-year-old IndyCar star, the sport's governing body has closed the door, for now.
Why Was The Bid Rejected?
While the official detailed reasoning is yet to be fully publicised, the rejection suggests the FIA did not believe the application met the stringent criteria set out for new entrants. Concerns often revolve around the value a new team adds to the sport, its long-term sustainability, and technical capabilities.
This is a significant setback for General Motors' prestigious Cadillac brand, which had planned to use its new F1 involvement as a global marketing platform and a testament to its engineering prowess.
What's Next For Andretti Cadillac?
All hope is not entirely lost. The team's application for the 2026 season is understood to still be under consideration. The landscape of F1 will shift dramatically in 2026 with new engine regulations, potentially offering a more favourable entry point for a new power unit supplier like GM.
The focus now will shift to whether Andretti and Cadillac can strengthen their proposal to meet the FIA's requirements for the following season. The motorsport world will be watching closely to see if this American powerhouse partnership can eventually force its way onto the grid.
For Colton Herta, the waiting game continues. The young driver, often hailed as one of the most exciting talents outside of F1, must now watch from the sidelines as his immediate path to the pinnacle of motorsport is blocked.
