Ex-Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has lashed out at Andretti’s failed attempt to secure an entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 season, warning the American outfit about its flawed strategy. Despite gaining FIA approval, Andretti’s bid was ultimately thwarted by fierce political maneuvering within F1, with the organization flexing its influence to block the team’s entry.
The fallout has not been without consequences. Michael Andretti, CEO of the team, announced his resignation this week, transferring leadership to his business partner David Towriss. This leadership shakeup has cast a shadow over Andretti’s 2026 ambitions, especially as the US Department of Justice probes into the legalities of F1’s refusal, attempting to force a resolution.
Steiner, speaking to RacingNews365, dissected Andretti’s missteps, contrasting it with how Haas secured its entry back in 2016. He noted that while Haas secured approvals from both the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) simultaneously, Andretti’s aggressive approach failed to align with the sport’s current political and financial climate.
“The stakes are higher now; every team is valued at a billion dollars,” Steiner explained. “You’ve got to be cautious and strategic with your moves.”
According to Steiner, Andretti’s tactics backfired. The team aggressively lobbied F1 teams to endorse its bid, with only two signing on in 2022. Even with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem backing the bid, recent weeks have seen that support wane.
Steiner didn’t mince words, criticizing Andretti’s public campaign as a tactical blunder. “You make the deal first, then you go public,” he asserted. “Andretti tried to do it the other way around, and now we’re seeing the fallout.”
The American team’s reliance on Cadillac’s resources, initially seen as a strong point, is another concern. Cadillac’s engine development wouldn’t materialize until 2028, meaning Andretti would have to rely on a customer engine deal first—another complication in their bid for entry.
Steiner acknowledged that F1 extended a lifeline, suggesting Andretti reapply for entry in 2028 but insisted that visible progress with Cadillac’s engine project was crucial. “FOM said, ‘show us what you can do with the engine.’ If GM has shown anything, I don’t know, but that’s what they need to do,” Steiner remarked.
Amidst this turmoil, Andretti has been bolstering its F1 readiness, establishing a base at Silverstone in the UK, with ex-F1 tech guru Pat Symonds expected to join soon. Yet, as Steiner points out, without securing all the necessary agreements and focusing on concrete development rather than lobbying, Andretti’s future in F1 remains uncertain.
