Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says that Andretti’s alliance with General Motors is “definitely a positive” amid its bid to join Formula 1.
Last week, Andretti Global announced that it would bring Cadillac to F1 with it if its quest to form a team in the coming years is successful.
Andretti has been in discussions with F1 for several months, however it has faced some resistance from teams – including Mercedes.
But amid questions surrounding a new entry’s credibility and value to the sport, Wolff says that there is no concerns surrounding General Motors’ status in the industry.
“Cadillac and GM, that’s a statement. Certainly, them joining forces with Andretti is definitely a positive,” Wolff said.
“It gives it another angle that may or may not be beneficial for Formula 1, but definitely nobody would ever question GM’s or Cadillac’s pedigree in motorsport, and obviously as a global auto company.”
Andretti has stated that Cadillac’s involvement will not be a simple “badging exercise”, insisting that the US company’s Intellectual Property would be present in the engine.
But new Williams team boss James Vowles says that there needs to be more of an understanding of how Andretti Cadillac would benefit the sport before they are welcomed with open arms.
“We’re always open to the sport growing, but the truth behind it is the sport financially needs to become more and more successful,” he said.
“Whoever joins in that environment needs to bring with it effectively the growth that is required in order for everyone else to be in a better position, or at least a neutral position. And I think it’s been the statement from the outset, from the beginning.
“There are a lot of lovely things about Andretti and about Cadillac. It just needs to have a good understanding of how it will grow the sport, in what way, and what the growth will be.”
While Andretti has had a lukewarm response from F1, the FIA is seemingly keen to see it form up on the grid with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem publicly expressing his support for the bid.
