Formula 1 wants an eleventh team: the US automobile giant is pushing into the series with an ex-pilot – there is resistance

Created: 06/01/2023 17:52

By: Marcus Giebel

In Formula 1, eleven teams will be fighting for points and victories in the near future.

The first prospect loudly throws his hat into the ring.

A lot of homework has already been done.

Munich – Formula 1 is hoping for growth.

Not only on the accounts, but also on the race track.

The field of teams is to be increased from ten to eleven in the foreseeable future, as FIA boss Mohammed bin Sulayem emphasized at the start of the year.

Would also mean: 22 cockpits to be awarded, so 22 cars on each course are then on the road.

There shouldn't be a lack of interested parties.

One has even been aggressively discussed.

General Motors (GM) is striving with its premium brand Cadillac in the premier class, which led a shadowy existence in the USA for decades.

At the latest, however, with the takeover of the US company Liberty Media in 2016, the company expanded specifically towards the United States.

Formula 1 strives in the direction of the USA: With Las Vegas already the third Grand Prix in the country

Three US races are scheduled to take place in this 2023 season, which has a record scope with 23 stops even without a replacement for the Chinese Grand Prix, which was canceled due to the corona pandemic.

After Austin and Miami, Formula 1 is also pitching its tents in Las Vegas.

With Haas there is already a US team in the field.

Nico Hülkenberg is the only regular German driver under contract here, after Mick Schumacher had to vacate his cockpit and Sebastian Vettel retired after two years with Aston Martin.

General Motors and Andretti in Formula 1?

"Real American" team plans entry

Another well-known name, on the other hand, is on the way back to Formula 1 together with GM. Because the group is planning to work with Michael Andretti, who after a manageable F1 career has made a name for himself as a racing team owner and has won various titles.

The son of former world champion Mario Andretti has already made a few attempts to enter the racing series, but always failed without the support of a company.

Now, when presenting the plans, he said: "I have the feeling that we are able to create a new team in Formula 1." Andretti emphasized that it was a "real American" team, that could "bring added value to the series and excitement to the fans".

The 60-year-old also emphasized the promised support from bin Sulayem.

He was “optimistic that it will work.

After all, Formula 1 is still an FIA racing series.

From our point of view, we meet all the requirements.

With GM, we have one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world and a lot of supporters on board.”

Has Formula 1 in his sights for a long time: Michael Andretti is a big number in the USA as a team owner.

© IMAGO / Eibner

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Eleventh team for Formula 1: General Motors and Andretti are probably planning with Renault and Herta

This probably also includes Renault.

The French called the trade magazine

as a possible engine supplier, because the power unit want to buy GM and Andretti.

In addition, a start has already been made on recruiting engineers from Formula 1 for the project.

A technical director has also been chosen, but the name will not be revealed just yet.

At least one of the drivers is said to be from the United States.

Unsurprisingly, Colton Herta in particular is traded here, who has been stepping on the gas for Andretti in the IndyCar Series – the US equivalent of Formula 1, so to speak – since 2020.

The 22-year-old was already considered a candidate for a cockpit at AlphaTauri this season, but does not yet have the super license, the driving license for F1 drivers.

Formula 1 wants eleventh team: In addition to General Motors, Ford and Hyundai are also interested

So GM and Andretti have already covered a few meters.

And yet there are still a number of hurdles to be overcome.

Bin Sulayem tweeted that he welcomed the news of the partnership and was pleased about the interest in getting involved.

points out that the early announcement by the Americans could have taken the F1 leadership by surprise.

They prefer it if the threads are spun quietly at first.

In any case, there is an official application process between the prominent tandem and the entry.

Ford and Hyundai are also said to be interested, but both groups are keeping a low profile.

It is unclear when the new place in the field can be filled at all.

In view of the new engine regulations that will then take effect, 2026 would be a likely time – then Audi will also enter Formula 1 and take over Sauber, which is currently still starting as Alfa Romeo.

Will there be another team here?

Formula 1 wants to expand the field to eleven racing teams.

© IMAGO / Nordphoto

More teams for Formula 1?

Mercedes boss Wolff skeptical: "Dilution for everyone else"

The previous teams are critical of an expansion anyway.

Because that would mean the cake would have to be divided among even more mouths, more interests would have to be reconciled and the track would also be busier.

“The value of Formula 1 is that there are only a limited number of franchises.

And we don't want to dilute this value by simply adding teams," warned Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff and calculated: "The eleventh team means a ten percent dilution for everyone else."

The most recent enlargement of the field for the 2010 season can be viewed as a cautionary example.

The three teams that were accepted back then were hopelessly inferior to the competition and have all long since disappeared from Formula 1.