The Andretti Formula Racing group is very close to becoming the 11th Formula 1 team after the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) accepted its candidacy, AFP reports.

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Andretti can become the 11th Formula 1 team

The Andretti team was the only one of the four contenders to qualify for the second round of qualifying, but its place on the grid remains subject to a commercial deal with Formula 1 rights holder Liberty Media.

“We are taking note of the FIA’s conclusions regarding the first and second phases of the process and will now carry out our own assessment of the merits of this candidacy.” – says the statement of Formula 1.

The FIA, world motorsport’s governing body, began the process in January to allow potential new entrants to join the championship from 2025 or 2026.

Most of the existing teams opposed the expansion, and the calendar for the new season will include a record 24 Grands Prix.

Team Andretti’s candidacy is led by Michael Andretti, a former Formula One driver, and his son Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula One world champion.

Andretti Global renewed its bid to participate in Formula 1 earlier this year, announcing a partnership with General Motors to supply Cadillac engines to the proposed team, Agerpres writes.