The announcement that the Andretti Global racing team would be building its new headquarters in Fishers was big indeed.  The building will be home to the many racing series where Andretti competes.

One open question has been whether Andretti would have a team in the Formula 1 series, the biggest in the world.  Michael Andretti had been lobbying the powers-that-be in F1 to allow his racing team into the series.

Just to let you know, I did cover the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1980s, taking vacation time from my regular job to cover practice and qualifying for a radio station.  The people involved in Indy Car racing at that time always told me the people at Formula 1 were, simply put, different.  Not a good or bad different, but they were known to handle their sport in a different way.

I am no expert on Formula 1 racing and the politics involved in running that sport, so I read many journalists that have knowledge of F1.  It appears, based on that reporting, that the decision-makers at Formula 1 took a personal dislike to Michael Andretti.  I have no idea why, but based on the reporting I have seen, Formula 1 made it clear to anyone  willing to listen that if General Motors wants to enter a team in F1, that is fine, but not with a racing team headed by Michael Andretti.

Several weeks ago, it was announced that Michael would be stepping aside from his leadership role at Andretti Global, and his business partner Dan Towriss will be leading the operation going forward.  It appears Michael Andretti took one for the team, knowing his exit would be the only way Formula 1 would allow Andretti Global to partner with General Motors’ Cadillac division and  be a part of Formula 1 beginning in 2026.

This is a  local Fishers story because the Andretti operation in Fishers will now include the Formula 1 racing unit, no small expansion.  This is good news for Andretti Global and Fishers.  It just seems unfair Michael cannot be a part of it.

If you drive along 96th Street near the airport, you have likely seen the construction continuing on the Andretti project.  It will be major addition to the economic growth of Fishers.  It will be a destination.

Andretti will continue to have a ream in IndyCar and many other racing series, as has been the case for many years.  But the GM Cadillac team run by Andretti Global will be something important to watch as they enter Formula 1 competition in 2026.