Nick Chester will join the Andretti team as technical director for its Formula 1 dream, he is expected to start his tenure this month.

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Chester succeeded James Allison as technical director of the Renault F1 team in 2013, transitioning with the team from Lotus to Renault and remaining with the team until 2020.

He departed F1 for the world of electric racing, joining the Mercedes Formula E outfit as they took back to back titles in the 2020-21 and 21-22 seasons. He would go on to stay with the team when Mercedes left the sport and Mclaren bought the team, though he has since left.

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Andretti’s plans

Chester joins the Andretti F1 dream as technical director of the operations, he is understood to be the first major hire for the team as they hunt to acquire F1 expertise.

The team has not been shy in publicly broadcasting its intentions, submitting an official expression of interest to the FIA when the sport’s governing body opened application processes for new teams to join. 

Michael Andretti, chairman and CEO of Andretti Global, said: “GM and Andretti share a legacy born out of the love of racing. We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid.”

The outspoken nature of the all American team ruffled some feathers in the paddock, with the majority of existing teams against the idea of welcoming another team into the fold. They argue that the anti-dilution fee that new teams are required to pay should be raised from $200m to $600m.

The US team has begun construction on a new $200m facility in Indianapolis, with plans for this to be the headquarters of its F1 operation. Alongside this, they have joined forces with General Motors to bring Cadillac into the sport with them.

Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, said: “Cadillac and F1 both have growing global appeal. Our brand has a motorsports pedigree that’s more than a century in the making, and we would be proud to have the opportunity to bring our distinct American innovation and design to F1.”

They expect to hear from the FIA in April, whilst the final decision on the team’s bid to break into the field is expected in June.

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