Despite ongoing criticism of the decision, F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali insists that the correct process was followed when it came to rejecting Andretti's bid to enter the sport.

It's fair to say that although few expected Andretti to get the green light - such was the hostility shown towards the American outfit by F1 and the majority of the teams - when the decision was finally announced it was greeted with shock.

Ignoring the fact that at almost the same time Haas admitted that it was likely to remain a back-marker this season, the fact that in its explanation of the rejection F1 claimed that Andretti, other than being unlikely to be competitive, would bring no value to the sport, was greeted with widespread derision.

In a conference call with Wall Street analysts today, Domenicali defended the decision, which some might feel is the motorsport equivalent of when Decca Records executive Dick Rowe rejected The Beatles in favour of Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, whilst claiming that guitar groups were on their way out, insisting that the correct protocols had been followed.

Whilst rejecting Andretti, F1 brazenly sought to encourage Cadillac with its plan to enter the sport, offering the incentive of a possible place on the grid for the American team in 2028.

"For sure it's a point related to the Concorde Agreement," said Domenicali when asked about the possibility of an 11th team. "It's a point of a joint work that has to be done between the FIA and FOM in regard to the different kinds of evaluation that we need to do.

"So I think that with regard to what has happened, I think that the process has been followed, and we presented the result in the right way," he insisted.

"For the future it's a matter of discussion, of course, with the teams, with the right commercial and technical proposition that will be discussed accordingly, within this year.

"We expect to address the renewal of the Concorde Agreement with the teams very, very shortly," he added. "Our view, that is basically shared with the teams, is that basically the Concorde Agreement will not need any substantial changes this time around. So we're going to start very, very soon.

"We had priority to finalise before the end of season talking about regulations, and other stuff with regard to other things that need to be solved before. So now, we're getting close to the time where we're going to start this discussion. Very, very shortly, as I said."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Team Hack, 29/02/2024 10:54

"So in my estimation, Haas (unfortunately) is achieving and bringing nothing to the party and would not be missed if they folded.

Which is a good thing isn't it?
That way the teams split everything only 9 ways – Result!

Why don't the Teams & Domenicali forget the BS and just admit they don't want Andretti because that would upset the cosy status quo.

As well as the EU having a nose around this mess would there not be existing sponsors and partners who wish to crack/exploit/increase their American operations?
Can't they have a voice?

The middle finger offered by F1 to GM won't be forgotten in a hurry I am sure."

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2. Posted by kenji, 29/02/2024 6:03

"@ Celtic Tiger hahaha strong post following."

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3. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 29/02/2024 3:22

"The evaluation was pure horse sh*t. Toilet paper has more value than those three pieces of paper. Its not surprising this soulless puppet, drunk on the corporate kool-aid, would ignorantly defend an obvious bias decision. I really do hope that Andretti's silence thus far is them quietly getting a case together and dragging these clowns before the EU.

If FOM think pushing out Hamilton's Ferrari move in the front window, Horner's investigation or the Red Bull two team ownership debate will distract us all from the criminal and unsporting act levied upon Andretti. They can think again. We're not goldfish. "

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4. Posted by kenji, 29/02/2024 0:19

"@ Chester. Absolutely correct. The fact that Andretti have been rejected as a result of spurious claims as to their contributed 'value' should be enough for Andretti to proceed with a legal challenge based on damage to their image and subsequent damage to their 'reputational image' The real reasons are twofold, IMO. Firstly there is the dilution fee being levied. Delaying an entry until a new Concorde is put in place is nothing short of a shakedown. Secondly there is the question of 'competition' and those who have spoken loudest about the entry are those that are concerned the most. The entire episode is unsavoury and demeaning to the Andretti global racing team. The mere fact that Haas continue to occupy a grid slot is a demonstration in 'bringing value' to the series. What a joke!"

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5. Posted by Chester, 28/02/2024 21:16

"Domenicali proves that you can destroy your legacy by working for the wrong master, even the great success you had previously.

The juvenile in me would love to hoot at Domenicali if I saw him at a race track.

I do remember seeing Eccelstone in St. Elmo's (famous Indianapolis restaurant) long ago, and hearing my friend say "Hey there's Bernie". Bernie heard the comment and turned his head. I do like Bernie and don't lump him with "water carrier" Domenicali."

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Andretti: Correct protocols were followed, insists Domenicali

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