FIA launches bid process for new teams to join Formula 1 from 2025 with Andretti, Honda and Hyundai among applicants

Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has launched an application process for new teams to join the grid from 2025.

The process could well see two additional teams added to the current 10-team grid, bringing the total number of drivers from 20 to 24.

Among the names linked with F1 membership are American team Andretti, who recently received a huge boost for their bid with backing from General Motors giants Cadillac.

Other parties that have expressed interest in participating include Honda, Hyundai, Hitech and Panthera.

Automotive giants Volkswagen will finally join the grid in 2026 when their Audi brand takes over current Alfa Romeo Sauber team, while their other brand, Porsche, has also had fruitless talks with Red Bull over engine supply .

Setting out the entry criteria, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “The growth and appeal of the FIA ​​Formula One World Championship is at unprecedented levels.

“The FIA ​​believes that the conditions are in place for interested parties, who meet the selection criteria, to express a formal interest in participating in the Championship.

“For the first time ever, as part of the selection conditions, we are asking applicants to indicate how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability criteria and how they would have a positive societal impact through sport.

“The process is a logical extension of the positive acceptance of the 2026 FIA F1 Powertrain Regulations by engine manufacturers, which attracted Audi to Formula 1 and sparked the interest of other potential entrants.”

As it stands, Andretti looks by far the strongest candidate to join the grid, having expressed his intention to do so earlier this year.

Named after and managed by 1987 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti, the American team has enjoyed success in many other motorsports.

Their efforts have met with some resistance, however, with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff saying they “won’t add anything to F1”.