F1’s commercial rights holder, Formula One Management (FOM), may have passed on the number one spot to a potential Andretti Cadillac team.
But Andretti Cadillac is moving forward with all its might to get FOM to say yes.
A potential F1 team announced a surprise deal on Tuesday as Pat Symonds is set to join the organization as an executive engineering consultant. Simmons has extensive experience within F1, including stints as a race engineer under Michael Schumacher at Benetton and with Fernando Alonso at Renault. Simmons is also Williams’ chief technology officer and is completing a seven-year stint as F1’s chief technology officer.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Pat to the Andretti family.” michael andretti said“Pat’s deep understanding of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and F1 power units will be of great help as we build a competitive team.”
“His expertise has been crucial in shaping the story of F1 and I think his vote of confidence in joining our efforts speaks volumes. , I’m really happy with this next step.”
“With a career spanning several decades, Simmons has extensive experience in F1, having worked with some of the sport’s most iconic teams and drivers.” Andretti added“His partnerships with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso produced 32 race wins, four Drivers’ World Championships and three Constructors’ World Championships.”
Last year, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the motorsport governing body that includes F1, invited proposing teams to apply for a place on the F1 grid. Andretti and Cadillac’s bid was approved by the FIA, but was rejected at the next stage of the process, by the FOM.
Despite that denial, the proposed Andretti and Cadillac teams proceeded with the work. They have opened a new facility in Silverstone and are moving to add further staff with the aim of joining the grid at some point in the future.
The latest move, dubbed a “coup” by some in F1 circles, could be the biggest step yet.
