Mario Andretti 'devastated' after F1 rejects team entry

LONDON :Formula One great Mario Andretti said he was devastated by the sport's rejection of a proposed Andretti Cadillac entry as an 11th team from 2025.

Liberty Media-owned Formula One ruled out the bid on Wednesday, doubting it would be competitive or add value, but kept a door open for 2028 when General Motors could provide an engine.

The statement also suggested - stingingly - that the Andretti brand, led by Mario's son and 1991 CART champion Michael, had more to gain from Formula One than the other way around.

"I'm devastated. I won't say anything else because I can't find any other words besides devastated," 1978 F1 world champion and 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Andretti, 83, posted on social media site X.

Those reacting to his comment included NASCAR Cup champion and team owner Brad Keselowski, who replied: "Sorry. This stinks".

Andretti Cadillac said separately they strongly disagreed with the contents of Formula One Management's statement, and indicated they would not give up.

"Andretti and Cadillac are two successful global motorsports organizations committed to placing a genuine American works team in F1, competing alongside the world’s best," they said.

"We are proud of the significant progress we have already made on developing a highly competitive car and power unit with an experienced team behind it, and our work continues at pace."

The governing FIA approved the application last year, sending it on to Liberty Media-owned Formula One Management (FOM), and the outcome left the regulator at odds with the commercial rights holder.

Existing teams had opposed expansion, without having a say in the matter, and argued it would reduce their value and dilute the share of the revenues.

They also felt a $200 million entry