Zak Brown Debunks Myth Around Andretti’s F1 Entry Sucking Millions of Dollars From Existing Grid

The entry of a Micheal-Andretti team in F1 has been the center of attention for quite some time now. With the power of General Motors behind him, an Andretti team in the F1 grid seems quite likely. However, the current teams are not quite too pleased with the prospect of an 11th team on the grid.

The common voice is that with the addition of an 11th team, the end-of-year revenue shares will be diluted. The teams would get less money, and as a result, the sport would become less lucrative for the existing teams. However, McLaren boss Zak Brown has potentially debunked the rumor, stating that an Andretti entry might actually be profitable for F1.

Zak Brown comes to Andretti’s Aid

Talking in a recent episode of the ‘Track Limits’ podcast, Zak Brown talked about the advantages of having Andretti on board the grid. “The pros is that they can help grow the pie. That pie can be fans, first and foremost, can be television revenue. Could be an increased exposure in a certain market that helps you bring in more sponsors, and excitement on the racetrack.”

He also notes that there is a risk of the pie not getting bigger, and that’s what a majority of the teams are thinking right now. If that’s the case then they’ll just have to divide the same-sized pie between 11 teams instead of 10. However, the problem right now is that the teams don’t know if Andretti’s addition would mean a meaningful increase in the size of the pie.

“I think all of us are not informed on what the proposal is. So everyone’s kind of running around with an opinion. I’m not seeing specifically what’s on the table. My view is, as long as it (Andretti entry) is additive to the sport, brings in more fans, more revenue, better television contracts or whatever that maybe, it makes the pie larger. I’d rather have an eleventh of a pie that’s 1000 times, than one tenth of a pie that’s 100 times.”

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He also noted that the teams did not have any say in the ultimate decision, and would have to be dependent on the FIA and Formula One to make the right decision. While the team principals may be apprehensive, the drivers do not seem like they are. For instance, even the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have spoken in favor of an Andretti entry.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s vision of an Andretti entry

Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have spoken up in favor of Andretti coming into the grid, making it a 22-car grid for the season. In their eyes, it is more opportunities for drivers, as it would open 2 new seats, more possibilities, and more importantly, potential job opportunities created.

Speaking on this, Hamilton suggested, “I think it’s great, I think in F1 I’ve always felt that there weren’t enough cars on the grid. There will definitely be people that won’t be happy for me to be so supportive of it! But I think it’s great. It’s an opportunity for more jobs, there’s another two seats available for a potential female driver to come through. It opens up more possibilities, and I think it’ll be more exciting for the race.”

The three time world champion Max Verstappen was also positive about the potential entry while stating that he understands why the teams are apprehensive of getting an 11th team on the grid. “Of course I am not a team owner, but I can understand their side. But everything I have seen so far, plus I think the partners they have, and the name, they have shown that they are a professional team, so it would be I think it’s nice because it gives more opportunities for the drivers’ side.”

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One thing that an Andretti spot in F1 would add is the potential increase in the fanfare, especially in the US. Backed by Cadillac. It looks like exactly what Formula 1 needs at the moment, at least on paper.