“Not as Visible”: Andretti Not Alone as F1 Teases More Teams for the Future

After a lot of discussions, F1 and the FIA are finally looking to get an 11th team to the sport. The FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had announced that they will launch an Expression of Interest protocol for looking at prospective new teams. Meanwhile, Andretti Global which has been quite vocal about its interest in recent times; announced its joint interest to enter F1 with Cadillac. Nonetheless, F1 has revealed that Andretti is not alone as they have interest from other parties as well.

As per Motorsport.com, Formula 1 has revealed that there are multiple parties willing to enter the pinnacle of motorsport. F1 stated, “There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others.”

“We all want to ensure the [F1] championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders.” This is a crucial aspect to focus on from F1’s perspective. Despite multiple teams being interested, only the best and most credible entries should get the go-ahead.

F1 concluded, “Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA.” To maintain the quality of competition, it is crucial to screen all potential teams. Thus, Andretti also will need to prove its credibility as a long-term F1 team that can compete well.

F1 has not revealed the names of any additional interested teams. Though, there are speculations about brands like Ford and Hyundai being on this list.

Read More: Adamant Andretti Block Out the Noise As Timeline To Dream F1 Entry Emerges

Nevertheless, Andretti will know they have solidified its chances of getting GM and Cadillac involved. Another big car manufacturer’s name in Formula 1 always adds positively to the sport. Still, F1 and the FIA will look to ensure they maintain the quality of competition, unlike in the past.

How F1 may want to avoid a repeat of the 2010 Influx of New Teams with Andretti et al.

Entering the 2010s decade, Formula 1 had a merry-go-round of manufacturer teams and independent teams. The FIA had a similar Expression of Interest process for new teams going on back then since 2006. Meanwhile, manufacturers like Toyota, BMW, and Honda were on their way out after facing unsuccessful campaigns.

Eventually, several new teams got a chance, like HRT, USF1, Lotus Racing, and Virgin. Nevertheless, it was a failed influx of teams, as neither of them lasted long and vanished by 2017. USF1 was an American racing outfit that never even put together a car, be it race in F1.

After all those years, Formula 1 may want to avoid a repeat of this same scenario. Even though Andretti is pushing its bid with Cadillac, the FIA will be stricter with its due diligence as even big manufacturers like BMW and Toyota have not been able to compete and left the sport.

So, with Andretti-Cadillac and several other speculated names like Ford and Hyundai, Formula 1 would want to ensure the long-term prospect of these entries.

From Andretti’s perspective, they are trying their level best to fulfill these credibility requirements. As per The Race, they are looking to partner with an unnamed experienced F1 engine manufacturer. Besides, they will also set up a state-of-the-art HQ in Indiana, thus making a truly US-based F1 team.

WATCH THIS STORY: American drivers that won an F1 race

Still, the FIA will be following its complete process and it is not sure if Andretti gets the nod or someone else does. Either way, F1 is promising more teams in the future to the existing 10, which means 20+ cars on the grid. Which team do you want to see in Formula 1?