Formula 1 drivers seemed a lot more welcoming than their teams following the news that Andretti Formula Racing has been given the green light by the FIA to join the grid as the sport’s 11th team.
Now that the governing body has approved Andretti’s application, the arrival of a new team remains subject to commercial discussions with FOM.
Current teams are generally opposed to an expansion of the F1 grid due to concerns of diluting prize funds and revenue.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has been one of the most vocal critics of Andretti’s bid, citing safety concerns and the financial implications for incumbent outfits.
In a contradiction to his boss’ comments, Lewis Hamilton stated that he would welcome an 11th F1 team: “I think from a driver’s perspective, it’s exciting to potentially see more cars.
“And then the idea of an 11th team… You know, we have over 2,000 people in our team. So that’s, that’s a huge amount of jobs. But we have to make sure that the criteria, which is quite strict is really respected.”
The FIA opened a new teams process in February, assessing applicants on their sporting and technical ability, and their ability to raise and maintain sufficient funding to compete at a representative level.
Prospective teams were also asked to outline their sustainability plans to match the sport’s drive to become net-zero by 2030 as well as a demonstration of how they intend to achieve a positive social impact through participation in the series.
“I feel like we need to amend the criteria actually, and make sure that there’s an opportunity for real impact, really making sure that if there is a new team, they have to be diverse,” Hamilton continued, critiquing the lack of representation in the sport currently.
“They have to perhaps create an opportunity for a female driver to come through. And it has to be diverse from the top up. At the moment, it’s all white owners. And there’s a real lack of diversity from the top down. It’s all male, and that needs to change.”
“I really do have 100% faith in Stefano, who I’ve known for a long, long time. I think what he’s doing at the top, there’s no one that could do a better job than him. And I know that he will make the right decision.”
Newly crowned three-time champion Max Verstappen acknowledged that vested interests held by current teams creates a “tricky” situation for Andretti and FOM.
“It’s always very hard to comment on that. I speak from the driver’s side. Everything I’ve seen so far, plus the partners they have and the name, they have shown they are a professional team.
“So it would be I think nice because it gives more opportunities for the driver’s side.
“But I can understand from the team’s side, they don’t want it. It’s a tricky one, it’s a tough one. And at the end of the day, the FIA and the teams, and FOM, they have more information about how serious everything is and how well everything is prepared. That’s why it’s not going to be a very easy decision to make.”
The president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, George Russell, urged for quality over quantity with regards to any expansion of the F1 grid.
“Formula 1’s the pinnacle and we want to see quality competition so I’m not for, I’m not against, but definitely if there were to be an extra team it’s got to be a quality outfit, one that can add to the sport,” the Briton added.
“We want to see competition, in an ideal world you want to see all ten teams fighting against one another. So I’m sure F1 will come to the best conclusion and answer whatever it may be, but we’ve got to have quality over quantity.”
Fernando Alonso was also cautious in his response to media questioning over the addition of Andretti to the F1 grid.
The Spaniard, who competed with Andretti in his 2017 shot at the Indy 500, initially said: “A great team. I know Michael [Andretti], and he will be, obviously a great name to add to Formula 1 but there are other people in charge of this kind of decision and first the FIA and the FOM and the teams as well.”
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll had already positioned himself, and Aston Martin, as staunchly opposed to any expansion saying “if it isn’t broken, you don’t need to fix it.”
Asked about the prospect of greater competition in the series, Alonso considered: “I don’t know how many years I will be here, but I don’t know in Formula 1 there is not much of a battle between teams.
“Even if we are 50 on track, we will only fight against one or two drivers, because they have more or less the same package as you have.
“There have been some discussions in the past as well, even having three cars per team, things like that. So, at the end, you never know what is the best solution. But as I said, I think we have very good people deciding these kinds of things. We trust completely the FIA, the FOM, so we are in good hands.”
Liam Lawson made what is expected to be a final start for AlphaTauri in 2023 in Qatar, with Daniel Ricciardo set to return to action in Austin next weekend.
Despite an impressive stint as a substitute, the Kiwi will likely be without a race seat for 2024 with AlphaTauri confirming Yuki Tsunoda and Ricciardo for next season, and Red Bull remaining firm on their commitment to Sergio Perez.
Asked whether an 11th F1 team would make his mission of finding a full-time seat simpler, Lawson responded: “In my situation, I think yes. It could definitely help.
“Obviously having more cars on the grid for racing, but it’s something I’ve never really thought about because it’s always just been 10 teams like this.
“So yeah, honestly, I don’t really know. I think, specifically for someone like me, yes, it can help make their step in Formula 1.”
Andretti’s addition to the F1 grid is now subject to reaching a commercial agreement with FOM and F1 rights holder Liberty Media.
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