Rodin Cars Speaks Out after FIA Rejects F1 Bid

One of the failed bidders to join Formula 1’s grid has become the first applicant to publicly comment on the process while revealing Andretti’s expected success to the next stage.

New Zealand-based manufacturer Rodin Cars submitted a bid to join Formula 1’s grid after governing body the FIA opened an application process for prospective entrants from 2025 or 2026.

Its bid was always regarded as a long shot but Rodin, headed by Australian founder David Dicker, became the majority shareholder of junior single-seater front-runner Carlin this year, and has also supported AlphaTauri stand-in Liam Lawson during his career.

It is understood that four organizations submitted bids: Rodin Cars, Hitech Grand Prix, Asian start-up LKYSUNZ, alongside the much-publicized Andretti Global entry.

It is believed that only Andretti has been given the green light by the FIA but that it must now reach commercial terms with Formula 1 and its owner Liberty Media, and satisfy its stipulations. That process could take some time owing to Formula 1’s long-standing insistence that it is happy with its current 10 teams, the majority of whom have also been lukewarm to Andretti’s potential presence.

In a statement released Thursday, and attributed to Dicker, Rodin Cars confirmed that its bid was unsuccessful and outlined that “our objective here is not to criticize the FIA or seek a reconsideration of its decision—we fully respect and accept the outcome.”

It went on to comment that “recent information suggests, as anticipated from the outset of this process, that the only successful applicant will be Andretti Global.”

Rodin of course does not speak for the FIA but it is the first time anyone involved in the process has publicly commented on the expected approval of Andretti’s Cadillac-affiliated bid.

Rodin went on to release some eye-catching details of its failed bid, including a plan to build its cars at its facility in New Zealand, a sizeable distance away from the remainder of Formula 1’s teams, who are based in the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland.

The company was also “committed to reserving one seat for a female driver” and referenced current Indy NXT racer Jamie Chadwick performing “exceptionally well” during a test in its Rodin FZed, adding “we would have no hesitation in putting her in a seat.”

Rodin added that it “had the opportunity of discussions for a Ferrari collaboration on the Rodin F1 car” but did not provide any concrete details.

While some elements were fanciful Rodin pointed to its acquisition of Carlin “establishing a comprehensive junior open-wheel program encompassing F4, GP3, F3 and F2” and acknowledged that while Andretti “has a long history of successful participation in US racing, our program offers a direct ladder to an F1 drive by competing in UK and European championships.”

Rodin went on to stress that Dicker’s “personal wealth” would have enabled him to “fully fund the Formula 1 program” from scratch.

“We appreciate the opportunity to have participated in the FIA process and extend our best wishes to Andretti for their successful bid,” concluded the statement.