Alessandro Alunni Bravi stated that the rejection of the Andretti-Cadillac proposal to enter Formula 1 was not based on nationality. The American constructor has not given up on its aspirations to join the pinnacle of the sport, despite the official rejection a few months ago. Andretti has received support from various people in the Formula 1 community, including the United States Congress. However, Formula 1 is unlikely to change its decision. As a result, the Sauber team representative stated that the team’s “nationality” did not play a role in the rejection.
In recent news, 12 members of the United States Congress addressed Formula 1 regarding the decision to refuse Andretti’s entry. In response, the head of Sauber, soon to be Audi, acknowledged the importance of government support for national companies. However, he mentioned that Formula 1 would not reject Andretti if the conditions to join the team were favorable.
The Sauber representative emphasized that the sport aims not to exclude anyone, but to welcome projects that bring additional value to Formula 1. Alluni Bravi believed that nationality was not a determining factor for any team to join Formula 1, contrary to rumors surrounding Andretti’s rejection. He highlighted how Nico Hulkenberg’s German nationality did not influence the decision of the German car manufacturer Audi to hire him for 2025.
Currently, the Haas F1 team is the only American team on the Formula 1 grid. The inclusion of Andretti would introduce another American team to the sport, which already has races in America on three different weekends. American involvement has also attracted significant investments in the sport. However, Alluni Bravi believed that this should not be the only reason to include Andretti on the grid.
Alluni Bravi highlighted the presence of the Haas F1 team on the grid, stating that extensive American involvement did not require the addition of another American team. He also mentioned that Formula 1 holds races in Saudi Arabia and Qatar without a national team from these countries. Therefore, according to the Sauber boss, the sport could continue without the inclusion of Andretti for now.
The Andretti-Cadillac will continue to hope to enter F1 through regulatory changes in the 2026 season. Suggestions have been made for the team to follow Audi’s path and acquire an existing team on the grid. However, Andretti remains determined to join the grid as the 11th team. Therefore, the American team will closely monitor F1 activities to find a way to be part of the grid.
