Cadillac, the proposed eleventh team in Formula 1, is set to clear the final hurdle for its official approval to join the grid in 2026.
The project, which began under the leadership of Andretti and eventually fully rebranded as Cadillac, has faced numerous challenges, including investigations by the US government. After a lengthy process, F1 owner Liberty Media ultimately decided to allow the entry to move forward.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the last step is obtaining official FIA approval for the team's entry.
The FIA initially approved Andretti-Cadillac's application two years ago, but the ongoing process requires a renewed application and operational review.
However, FIA correspondent Michael Schmidt believes this step is largely procedural and should only take a matter of weeks.
An FIA spokesperson confirmed the process is nearing completion, stating, "We are in the final stages of the operational review and hope to complete the process soon. We are working within the prescribed timeframe.
"If Cadillac's entry is approved, it will meet the requirements for entry for the 2026 season."
Once approval is granted, Cadillac will immediately fall under the budget cap regulations and aerodynamic testing restrictions for 2025.
"The budget cap will apply to Cadillac in 2025 from the moment its registration for the 2026 season is completed," the FIA official explained.
Additionally, Cadillac's ambition to develop a works power unit by 2028 will require the company to begin adhering to power unit regulations well in advance.
"Under current regulations," the FIA spokesperson said, "power unit manufacturers must comply with the required restrictions, including bench testing, at least three years before their planned entry.
"This would be the latest possible date to notify the FIA."
