The bid of Andretti Global and Cadillac to join F1 was denied.
Andretti have confirmed the appointment of former Formula 1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds in a major coup for the team’s F1 entry plans.
Symonds’ departure from Formula 1 after seven years was revealed on Tuesday, during which he played a significant role in shaping the sport’s 2022 rule changes and the transition to ground effect cars.
Andretti confirm Pat Symonds signing from F1
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
Symonds, renowned for his significant contributions to Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso’s World Championship triumphs at Benetton and Renault, was anticipated to retire from Formula 1 as he approaches his 71st birthday in June.
Andretti has made a major revelation by confirming the recruitment of Symonds. Upon completing his gardening leave at Formula One Management, Symonds will commence his duties at the budding team’s fresh establishment in Silverstone.
Andretti Global Chairman and CEO, Michael Andretti, expressed his utmost excitement in welcoming Pat to the Andretti family.
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As we strive to develop a competitive team, Pat’s exceptional grasp of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and Formula 1 power units will play a vital role.
“His invaluable expertise has played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Formula 1, and his decision to join our endeavor speaks volumes about his confidence in it.”
“I’m extremely satisfied with this next phase as our progress remains rapid.”
Nick Chester, technical director at Andretti-Cadillac, further stated that he has previously had the opportunity to collaborate with Pat and acknowledges his extensive knowledge, which we can now tap into.
“Pat’s role as Executive Engineering Consultant will encompass his extensive expertise in various technical areas and team operations, enabling the team’s growth and development.”
Despite facing opposition from existing teams and having their formal application rejected by the sport’s commercial rights holders in January, Andretti has persisted with their plans to join the F1 grid.
In April, the team announced the establishment of a UK base at Silverstone, famously known as the venue for the British Grand Prix. They also shared that they had initiated the recruitment process for up to 60 positions.
In an exclusive interview with PlanetF1.com’s Thomas Maher last month, 1978 World Champion Mario Andretti revealed the team have fresh optimism over securing a place on the grid.
He stated, “Progress is being made on all fronts. In fact, we have officially inaugurated a facility in Silverstone.”
“I’m starting to feel hopeful as we’re putting in a lot of dedicated effort. We simply need to reach a conclusion, preferably soon. However, we have all the necessary resources at hand and we’re prepared to tackle whatever challenges may arise.”
“We are diligently striving to meet every aspect of it, and then we can only hope for the best.”
We are diligently working in every possible area to make significant progress. Our aim is to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the project by taking action rather than just making empty promises.
“We currently have a considerable number of team members gathered here, including a few intriguing individuals eagerly anticipating the moment Formula 1 grants us the complete approval.”
Our aim is simply to demonstrate that everything is in perfect order. The presence of General Motors is crucial in joining forces with a manufacturer that has no prior experience in F1.
I believe that the strong exposure of F1 in the United States should work in favor of having a complete US team involved. I am definitely staying positive.
He further stated, “This is the initial instance where we engage in a genuine in-person discussion with Formula 1, involving both dialogue and logical thinking.”
“I have every justification to feel good.”
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