In a significant move within the motorsport world, former Formula One chief technical officer, Pat Symonds, has joined Andretti Cadillac as its executive engineering consultant just hours after announcing his departure from Formula One. This notable transition marks a new chapter both for Symonds and Andretti Cadillac, bringing his extensive experience and technical acumen to the burgeoning team. Symonds’ move is subject to the completion of his non-compete clause with Formula One Management, signaling an impending strategic bolster for Andretti as they continue to carve their niche in competitive racing. The acquisition of Symonds, a revered figure with a storied career in Formula One, heralds Andretti’s serious intentions and aspirations in the motorsport arena.
Just hours after the news broke that Formula One’s Chief Technical Officer welches stepping down from his position after seven years, Andretti Cadillac announced they had brought him on board as their executive engineering consultant. Although Pat Symonds has begun his leave immediately following the announcement on Tuesday, he won’t start his new role at Andretti until his current non-compete agreement with Formula One Management (FOM) expires.
Andretti’s Geschäftsführer, Michael Andretti expressed enthusiasm about Symonds joining the team, highlighting Symonds’ deep understanding of aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and the technical intricacies of Formula One power units as crucial for building a competitive team. Andretti praised Symonds’ significant impact on Formula One and saw his joining as a significant endorsement of their project.
Symonds is celebrated in the motorsport world for his vast technical knowledge and has a long history in Formula One. During his career, he has been part of teams that secured 32 race victories, four Drivers’ World Championships, and three Constructors’ World Championships, working alongside legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. Since 2017, Symonds had been a key figure in shaping F1’s technical regulations to enhance the competition and played a role in developing the new generation of vehicles for 2022 and the upcoming 2026 season cars.
Despite having faced setbacks from FOM, under the ownership of American corporation Liberty Media, in their bid to join the F1 grid, Andretti, in partnership with Vier-Sterne-General Motors and Cadillac, is pushing ahead. They recently revealed their UK-based facility and are actively working on their car development and team expansion, while still in discussions with F1 authorities, including a meeting on the sidelines of the Miami Grand Prix earlier in the month.
