F1’s Infamous Concorde Agreement Could Pose a Serious Threat to Mario Andretti’s Racing Interests

A lot has been brewing up in the motor sporting world, especially in the open-wheel racing arena. Both the F1 & IndyCar fandom were taken aback when Honda’s recent announcement blew up the internet with the Japanese manufacturer thinking of pulling out of IndyCar after their contractual obligation ends in 2026. The Red Bull-Honda debacle also has F1 fans worried, with widespread rumors going around. However, there’s one other aspect that NASCAR journalist Adam Stern pointed out that pretty much flew under the radar.

While he isn’t sure about how things will turn around for F1 teams, he has expressed concerns over the new F1 Concorde, mentioning how it could get Cup race winner and F1 champion Mario Andretti into trouble as the new stipulation comes into effect in 2026.

Here’s how F1’s new agreement might spell disaster for Mario Andretti and Co.

Undoubtedly, Formula 1 is the king of motorsports with fans tuning into each event from all across the globe. But if there’s one aspect of the sport that doesn’t sit well with the community, it’s the Concorde agreement. For the unversed, it is an agreement signed in accord with teams and the FIA agreeing to the terms and conditions of race dynamics and the overall revenue structure, including the funds from telecasts, television rights, and prize money.

Now coming to the crux of the matter, renowned journalist and motorsports enthusiast, Adam Stern has recently come out, expressing how the new terms might put Andretti Autosports in a precarious position, especially with their prospects of joining F1.

Reflecting on the buy-in, which was set for 200 million in the last Concorde agreement in 2021, Stern voiced his concern, mentioning how the organization might bump up the figures to 600 or 800 million. He also relayed that this bump will most certainly be because of Andretti’s partnership with GM (General Motors).

The 83-year-old will surely not be happy with the news. However, there are teams who are not fully convinced about the entry of an 11th team.

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Why is Ferrari not on board with a new team’s entry into Formula 1?

With the current contract ending by the end of the 2025 season, a new one will be struck by the FOM (Formula One Management) and its 10 teams with Andretti Autosports probably going to be the 11th one.

However, as we mentioned, the new stipulation will bump up the financial side of things considerably as Andretti and Co. look to join the fray as an 11th team. This has Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur concerned, fearing that a new team will complicate things for others as well.

According to Motorsportsweek.com, he said, “It doesn’t matter the format, the organization and the rules. At the end of the day, if you are 11 teams, you are more exposed than if you are 10.” He further added, “When you are in a positive situation and the business is going up, I think everybody is positive and optimistic, but I’m not sure that it will stay like this forever.” 

The entry fee, which stands at $200 Million at the moment, is also called an anti-dilution fee because when teams (after a new addition to the grid) get a smaller piece of the same pie, those $200 Million will balance things out. But would it be fair for Andretti to pay 600 to 800 million dollars?

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