Formula 2 Team Applies To Join F1 For 2026 In Surprising Move

The F1 grid might see a new entrant in 2026 as Hitech GP, bolstered by a significant investment from a Kazakh billionaire, has set the wheels in motion for an official application.

This comes after the FIA and F1 opened applications for additional teams to join the current grid of 10. The most talked about being Andretti Autosport who has been very vocal of their goal of joining the grid, so much so that they have already formed a team in readiness of approval.

Well-recognised in junior racing, Hitech GP, founded by ex-Red Bull junior driver Oliver Oakes in 2015, currently have teams vying in F2, F3, and F4. Hitech GP is also in partnership with the Red Bull Junior Team, Alpine Academy, and Williams Driver Academy.

The team has confirmed the sale of a quarter share in its parent company, Hitech Global Holdings Limited, to Kazakh businessman, Vladimir Kim.

The Silverstone-based Hitech team, after achieving notable success in junior categories, is eager to make its mark on the F1 landscape, calling it a "move that would complete its single-seater ladder and demonstrate that Hitech has all the right people, experience and resources to compete alongside the best teams in the world."

Hitech's F1 bid is the culmination of "20 months of planning and extensive preparation," with the team currently employing over 150 people.

This collaboration with Hitech marks Kim's debut in motor racing, though he has sponsored Kazakh athletes in boxing and tennis in the past. Kim expressed his excitement at the partnership, stating:

“Motorsport has been a long-standing personal interest for me, and I am delighted to be entering into a partnership with an organisation that has enjoyed success in so many categories and has such ambitions for its future.

“We have an established involvement with sport; however, this is our first global investment in motorsport.

“Its dynamic appeal, growing exposure, business-to-business marketing opportunities and burgeoning fan base are aligned with my ambitions personally and commercially.”

Oakes reciprocated Kim's enthusiasm, stating:

“I am delighted to welcome Vladimir Kim to the Hitech group.

“During our discussions we found many natural synergies and I know that his support will be invaluable as we seek to build on Hitech’s success and work towards achieving its broader ambitions over the years to come.”