Rodin Carlin misses out on F1 licence after FIA review
Teams that had applied to become constructors in Formula 1 would have been told whether they would be granted a Formula 1 licence. F1 and F1 teams now have the final say on whether they will be granted an entry. Rodin Carlin had also applied, but the team report they have been rejected. The team says they were told this after a statement from the FIA.
Rodin Carlin is a New Zealand constructor, which had applied to become an official Formula One team. The team revealed that they had several plans for admission. For instance, the team is said to have reserved one seat for a female driver, Jamie Chadwick. In fact, the three-time Formula W champion already completed a test for the team and would be assured of a seat. The constructor also confirmed that there were talks about a collaboration with Ferrari for the Rodin F1 car. Rodin wanted to participate with Carlin, and this would also immediately ensure that there would be a junior programme, as Carlin is active in Formula 4, GB3, Formula 3 and Formula 2.
Rodin bid for F1 rejected
"Unfortunately, our bid was not successful," the statement reads. "This statement is intended to provide insight into the key points of our bid that we believe justified its merit. We wish to emphasise that our objective here is not to criticise the FIA or seek a reconsideration of its decision. We fully respect and accept the outcome. Our sole purpose is to release information we consider in the public interest to inform the Formula 1 community."
Rodin Carlin points to the positive features of their own bid. Apart from the plans for a female driver and the junior programme, among other things, it cites geographical diversity. For instance, it would become the only constructor in the southern hemisphere. Yet the team has since been told that the bid has been rejected: "Recent information suggests, as anticipated from the outset of this process, that the only successful applicant will be Andretti Global." Andretti is still waiting to hear from F1 and Formula One teams on whether they will be admitted.