New Zealand's Rodin Discovers It Submitted an Application for an F1 Entry
A New Zealand-based company specializing in track cars capable of competing with modern race cars has revealed that it submitted an application to enter Formula 1. Rodin, the manufacturer of the F1-inspired Fzed track car, announced that its application to become an F1 team was rejected by the FIA, the motorsport governing body for F1.
In a statement, Rodin mentioned that it expected Andretti Global from the United States to be the only successful new entry into F1. Other entries were made by Lkysunz, an Asia-based motorsports startup, and Hitech Grand Prix, a British racing team.
Andretti Global, led by Michael Andretti, owner of the successful IndyCar team Andretti Autosport and son of 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti, received backing from General Motors for its entry, which, if successful, will compete as Andretti Cadillac.
Rodin presented several reasons in support of its application, including being based in New Zealand, making it the only team in the Southern Hemisphere, being an actual car manufacturer with the facilities to support an F1 team, and guaranteeing a seat for a female driver.
Rodin stated that it evaluated Jamie Chadwick and was impressed enough to offer her a seat on its team if the entry was successful. Chadwick currently drives for Andretti Autosport in IndyCar's Indy NXT feeder series. Rodin also considered New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, who is currently racing in F1 with AlphaTauri, as a replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo.
Rodin noted that its entry would have been fully funded by the personal wealth of company founder David Dicker, an Australian amateur racer and class champion of the Ferrari Challenge one-make series who made his fortune in the IT business.
Despite the rejection, Rodin is proceeding with its car manufacturing plans. The company is currently developing a V-10 successor to the V-8-powered Fzed, named the Fzero, which will offer performance similar to an F1 car. Rodin mentioned that it is currently testing a prototype for the Fzero, but production start dates have not been disclosed.
>>> Read more: Piastri's Performance As An F1 Rookie Surpasses Expectations, Says Norris
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