“People Won’t Be Happy”: In $700,000,000 Tussle, Lewis Hamilton Opposes Toto Wolff to Back Andretti

An 11th team in Formula 1. Would you be for it or against it? A few days ago, Andretti Global got one step closer to its F1 dream. Since the sport opened the doors for new teams to join the circus, the father-and-son duo of Mario and Michael Andretti saw it as an opportunity to expand Andretti’s scope to more than just the premier class of American open-wheel racing. And what better way to do that than by joining the pinnacle of motorsport? They built their bid and presented it to the FIA. On October 2, the FIA gave it the green light. And now, the ‘true American’ bid is just one step away from F1.

The biggest hurdle Andretti will face is convincing F1, the business, that the team will add value to the sport. While that problem is significant enough, Andretti faces much more opposition from the existing teams. Even though the teams don’t officially have a vote on what happens, that hasn’t stopped them from voicing their opposition. One of the loudest voices is that of Toto Wolff. but surprisingly, Andretti found an ally in Lewis Hamilton.

Andretti has Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff divided

The prospect of another team joining F1 should be something the constructors look forward to. Considering there’d be more competition—and the entire point of F1 is to try and be the best—it should be appealing to teams. Their biggest problem is the dilution of prize money. If another team enters the sport, that’ll reduce the percentage of money each team gets from the prize pool. To compensate for this, as per the Concorde Agreement, a new entrant will have to pay a $200 million anti-dilution fee. Since F1’s value has increased so much since 2020—when the Agreement was signed—the teams are now demanding a fee close to $700 million. 

As much as F1 is a sport, it’s more a business—a money-minded one. Considering this, every team needs to look out for itself financially. That’s every team principal’s biggest headache regarding Andretti’s potential entry. As reported by GPFans, Toto Wolff said, “I think whoever joins as an 11th team needs to demonstrate how accretive they can be for the business. Andretti is a great name. They have done exceptional things in the US, but this is sport and business. We have 10 franchises that we hope can increase the value. You will certainly not increase the value by issuing new franchises to people who cannot increase the overall value of Formula 1.”

As opposed as Wolff is to Andretti’s entry, his star driver feels it’s a great opportunity. As quoted by RaceFans, Hamilton said, “I’ve always felt that there wasn’t enough cars on the grid. So, whilst there will definitely be people that won’t be happy for me to be so supportive of it, I think it’s great.” Those people will definitely include the Mercedes team boss. “It’s an opportunity for more jobs, another two seats available for a potential female driver to come through. It opens up more possibilities, and I think it’ll be exciting for the race,” added Hamilton.

Read More: Amid Struggles With Massive $700,000,000 Headache, Lewis Hamilton & Co. Hands Thumping Defeat to Andretti After Brutal Penalty

The seven-time champion—ever the greater-good thinker—has always advocated inclusivity and diversity. As he said, two more seats will pave the way for even more opportunities. But as positively as he feels about Andretti’s F1 entry, a few negative memories might spring up for Hamilton.

Mario Andretti might bring back ghosts from Hamilton’s past

In a sport over 70 years old (officially), isn’t it surprising that Hamilton is the only driver of color to have competed in it? In this highly limited industry and sport, Hamilton paved his own way to the top. Because of his struggles, he feels the need to make it more accessible to people who might not fit the “stereotypical classifications” of a driver. Apart from his efforts toward increasing diversity and inclusivity, he advocated the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. He also urged other drivers to join the cause.

In an interview with El Mercurio, Mario Andretti said, “I have a lot of respect for Lewis, but why become a militant? He’s always been accepted, and he’s earned everyone’s respect. I think the whole point of this is pretentious. I feel that way. And it’s creating a problem that doesn’t exist.” Hamilton responded, “This is plain ignorance, but that will not stop me from continuing to push for change. It is never too late to learn, and I hope that this man, whom I’ve always had respect for, can take the time to educate himself.”

Would you, like Lewis Hamilton, be happy to see Andretti in F1?

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