FIA have launched an official application process for prospective new F1 teams to join the grid.
The FIA welcomes interest from constructors who express ‘serious intent’ to join F1 following ‘high level of interest’ from potential candidates who have already expressed interest which represents how massive F1’s ‘popularity and growth’ is at present.
This announcement also comes after Audi confirmed plans to join F1 in 2026, whilst Andretti Global commenced a bid to gain entry to the series.
As part of the process, all applicants will undertake ‘thorough due diligence’ in assessment of their applications, especially in regards to ‘technical capabilities and resources’ plus ‘ability’ to ‘raise and maintain the sufficient funding to allow participation in the Championship at a competitive level’ in F1.
Experience and human resources will also be considered whilst FIA will also judge applicants on their ‘sustainability’ plans with view of achieving net-zero CO2 impact by 2030, alongside ‘positive societal impact’ through their involvement in F1.
On how the successful applicants will be determined, the FIA have confirmed that ‘overall long-term interests’ of F1 plus stakeholders will play a key role in which if any constructors join F1, whilst also meeting ‘applicable regulations and governance arrangements.’
FIA will privately communicate terms of the application process from selection criteria to deadlines and legal requirements plus further conditions to candidates, once preliminary expression of interest is submitted to the FIA.
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a statement confirming that the FIA are of belief that the set conditions “are right for interested parties,” which will enable them to meet the selection criteria and express “formal interest” in joining F1.
Ben Sulayem also iterated that this formal application process represents “a logical extension of the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations from engine manufacturers which has attracted Audi to Formula 1 and created interest among other potential entrants.”