Motor racing-Technical head Symonds leaves FOM for Andretti Cadillac

FILE PHOTO: Formula One - F1 - Italian Grand Prix 2009 - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - 10/9/09 Renault Executive Director of Engineering Pat Symonds Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Crispin Thruston Livepic/File Photo

(Reuters) - Formula One's chief technical officer Pat Symonds is joining the Andretti Cadillac outfit as they push for a place on the starting grid in 2026.

Liberty Media-owned Formula One has rejected the bid to become an 11th team, doubting it would be competitive or add value, despite the governing FIA approving the application last October.