Becoming formula One’s first new team in a decade…
Thru the Lost Wages’ Grand Prix weekend, I
found myself marveling over how everyone had apparently been sent a memo by
Liberty Media. As it was funny Ha-Ha! Hearing how far of a full 180-degrees
U-turn Der Crying Wolff had made over the possible inclusion of an eleventh
team on the Formula 1 grid. With toto almost infusing glee in His monoslavic
Austrian “Terminator” accent about how GRRR-REAT! It would be having some brand
like Cadillac on the F1 Grid…
And then Theodore, not Lenny! Kravitz commended
Kroftie’, aka David Kroft on His big scoop of getting Mr. Zakery Brown to say
that an announcement was imminent prior to the race. For which I cannot
remember what session it was?
Although as Kroftie’ pointed out, Zak was one
of the few who’d supported Michael Andretti’s initial attempt to join the grid.
With Brown and then Alpine’s team principal being the only two willing to sign
Mikey A’s Hall pass in His hastily bought Miami dolphins notebook…
Thus the announcement was made Monday, November
25th about how General Motors had been finally given the “Green light” to
become Formula One’s eleventh team beginning in 2026. As this was purposely
done to supposedly not overshadow the Las Vegas Grand Prix itself.
And I really don’t care how Y’all want to spin
or frame it, but you cannot help but say that Michael Andretti was simply
squeezed out!
The part I don’t understand, having now read it
twice from two different sources. The latter being Nathan Browne of the
Indianapolis Star. Was that Greg Maffei, the departing CEO of Liberty Media had
vowed that as long as He was in charge, He’d never let Michael Andretti onto
the F1 Grid!
CoInky-dense that Maffei is leaving Liberty
Media when His contract expires at year’s end? Then becoming a consultant
during the transition to a new CEO…
While rumours were apparently rampant prior to
the Las Vegas Grand Prix that Formula 1 CEO Stefano Dominicali would be leaving
to become MotoGP’s new CEO, since Liberty Media is finalizing its 86% purchase
agreement of MotoGP. And Dominicali has been another starch opponent to the
Andretti Global Cadillac F1 deal.
As what’s that ‘Ol
Judas Priest song about Some Heads are gonna roll…
Yet magically, after Mikey A’ decided to leave
His namesake’s empire for more “Family-time”. With Dan Towriss becoming the new
public face of Andretti Global. And Michael Andretti effectively being squeezed
out of His own operation, Tuh duh!
TWG Global, the controlling “vehicle” of
Andretti Global’s IndyCar franchise, Err charter organization. Wayne Taylor
Racing’s IMSA GTP Cadillac team and Spire Motorsports Chevrolet NASCAR team,
along with General Motors have now been granted admission onto the Formula 1
grid for the 2026 season.
Along with Mario Andretti being named a
Director of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which hopes to secure customer Ferrari
Power Units for 2026-2027, before GM begins producing its own PU’s.
Whilst it seems counterproductive to speculate
upon who its two drivers will be. Other than obviously Colton Herta’s got to be
a shoe-in, provided He’s got the necessary points to acquire the mandatory FIA
Super license.
Couldn’t find out what TWG stands for? Other
than TWG Global is supposedly the investment vehicle for “silent” partner Mark
Walter and Guggenheim Partners financial investments. Making me guess that
perhaps it stands for Towriss Walter Guggenheim?
Mark Walter is part owner of the World Champion
LA Dodgers and the Chelsea Football Club amongst other business ventures.
While Dan Towriss is not only the CEO of
Gainbridge, but the Head of TWG Global, as its motorsports boss. With General
Motors being quite happy to work with Towriss and Company. Just not Michael
Andretti…
Therefore, no matter how Poppa’ Mario has tried
spinning it to Nathan Browne. About His son Michael taking one for the team Rah-Rah-Rah!
After a tumultuous three year attempt of becoming an F1 team owner. It seems
really sad that Mikey’ got screwed, Err squeezed out only two months before
this finally happened, and something just smells really fishy to Mwah! Even if
He was handsomely rewarded financially.
But the Fat Cats get richer, since Towriss and Walter and whomever have successfully bought into Formula 1 prior to the new, upcoming 2026 Concorde Agreement. Which All of the existing ten teams have been screaming for the Dissolution Fee of $200 million to be increased to $600 million! Saving them nearly a cool half billion dollars admission fee! Although I can only wonder if TWG Global and GM would have paid this anyways?
Update
On December 10th, Ferrari confirmed that it had agreed in principle to supply GM/Cadillac with customer Ferrari Power Units in a multi-year agreement beginning in 2026 with Andretti Formula Racing LLC. Contingent upon Cadillac being confirmed by Liberty Media to compete in formula 1…
