Andretti ropes in ex-F1 Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds

Amid their ongoing push to get a seat at Formula 1 in 2026, Andretti has signed ex-F1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds. He is set to leave F1 after serving seven years and will join the American team as an executive engineering consultant. 

With this move, Andretti will be keen to express their desire to join the F1 grid and become an integral part of it. Symonds has extensive experience of F1 team functioning and he has played an important role in multiple championship victories. 

Speaking about their decision Andretti Global Chairman & CEO Michael Andretti said, “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Pat to the Andretti family. Pat’s keen understanding of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and Formula One power units will be instrumental as we continue to build a competitive team.”

"I believe his expertise has been pivotal in shaping the narrative of Formula One and his vote of confidence in joining our effort speaks volumes. I’m really happy with this next step as our work continues at pace.”

Will Pat Symonds be able to pull Andretti to F1?

Notably, Symonds began his F1 career with Toleman, which later evolved into Benetton, where he was instrumental in Michael Schumacher's championship wins in 1994 and 1995. Before joining F1 in 2017, he worked with Virgin and Williams. 

Symonds is also known for resignation from Renault following the controversial 'Crashgate' incident at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Now, his comeback to a racing team seems a good sign for Andretti. He might help the American outfit to get a place in the grid as the 11th team. 

However, it will depend on F1 to decide the future. Earlier this year, the FIA approved Andretti's bid to join Formula 1 as the 11th team. However, F1, which holds the ultimate decision-making power, denied the entry of the all-American team. 

Despite this setback, Andretti has continued to move forward with its plans and officially inaugurated a new base in Silverstone earlier this year. Additionally, members of the US Congress have expressed support for Andretti and have raised questions about F1's reasons for rejecting the team.