With Andretti Motorsport’s potential entry into Formula 1, the existing F1 teams wonder why they should allow another team in the sport. Guenther Steiner, the Team Principal for Haas F1 team has given his thoughts on the topic.
“I would like to look back to 2020 and remember sitting in those video conferences when the pandemic hit, and four teams asked themselves – Are we going to be here next year or not?” Guenther started. “We all fought and tried to stay alive. And a lot of people and team owners put their money where their mouth was – to survive and make Formula 1 what it is today.”
“I think that, too, has value. I think most teams are asking themselves – when F1 is booming, why should we water down what we have just for someone else?”
🚨 | Guenther Steiner questions why F1 should accept an 11th team.
“I think most teams are asking themselves…
“Why should we water down what we have for someone else?”https://t.co/3gQj7kB3BM
— formularacers (@formularacers_) October 17, 2023
Guenther Steiner feels that the existing F1 teams have worked hard and gone through a lot of tough times during the pandemic to bring the sport to where it is now. They are now befitting from all their hard work. Bringing in an 11th team means that the teams will have to share their wealth with another team.
So the real question is what Andretti Motorsport can do for the sport. Can they help F1 grow even more in the United States? That depends on how popular they are. When we look at races in European countries, we see extraordinary fans like the Tifosi, the Orange Army, and more. However, there is no dedicated fan base in the United States.
F1 has increased the number of races in the country from 1 to 3 in a span of just 2 years. They are hoping that this will allow more fans to attend the races. Every time F1 heads to the US, the sport tries to do something different and attractive hoping that it would catch the local fans’ attention.
Who will supply engines for Andretti Global?
If Andretti Motorsport’s bid is approved by the FOM, they will need someone to supply engines. Foreseeing this, Michael Andretti has already struck a deal with General Motors’ Cadillac brand. Cadillac will assist Andretti Motorsport with the power unit needs.
Andretti had a number of choices in front of them including Ford, Honda, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Alpine. Most fans thought that Andretti would choose to go with Alpine as they have experience in F1 compared to Ford, Audi, and Cadillac. However, Andretti has made their decision.
Ahead of next season Haas will join forces with andretti and cadillac to form Haas Andretti with Cadillac joining the grid as their engine supplier from season 3 c pic.twitter.com/gfJWi1SjDN
— Marleys Sim Presented by Fly Emirates ( Finale) (@Marleyssim) October 18, 2023
The team will be hoping to start making their mark as soon as they enter the sport. Optimistically, they will be hoping to take the challenge to Red Bull and Mercedes from the beginning. Realistically, we can expect them to be involved in a midfield battle for the 2026 season if they are approved.
There were other teams that had entered their bid to be a part of F1. However, all of them have been rejected by the FIA. Only Andretti Motorsport meets the criteria to be approved by the FIA. Now the F1 does not have any official criteria. They will see how the team can improve the value of the sport, and how the other teams can also benefit from this. So the existing teams will also have a voice on the matter.
Do you think Andretti Motorsport will be a part of the 2026 F1 grid? Post your answers in the comment section below.
