Formula 1: F1 governing body FIA in consonance with commercial rights owner Liberty Media opened up a spot for a new entrant on the grid earlier this year, starting earliest in 2025. Since then, many big shots in the motor industry have eyed that esteemed spot. Formula 1 now is at an all-time high in terms of viewer interaction and popularity. More recently, F1 has expanded its reach to a highly untapped market of USA with three races now on the calendar. F1 is coming up to be the fastest, glitziest, and grandest motorsport across the globe. Follow Formula 1 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
With big bucks and high prestige to play for, a decision on an 11th team will not be the one without hype, and rightly so. All the stakeholders are closely watching out on recent developments on the same. Recently, Red Bull boss Christian Horner and his foe-friend Toto Wolff opened up on induction of an 11th team. The highest and most discussed in the bid right now is the collaboration of the Andretti-Cadillac brand. Andretti Global and General Motors announced in January that they planned to compete using the Cadillac.
In addition to it, they also assured the presence of at least one U.S. driver. Not just Andretti, but various others have also put their hat in the ring for the 11th place on the F1 grid. Asian-based LKY SUNZ, Canadian billionaire Calvin Lo, and Calvin Durant-owned Panthera Asia are also in it for that spot. FIA chief Muhammad Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have a huge decision awaiting in the front.
More recently, current honchos of Red Bull and Mercedes, two most successful teams in last decade gave their opinion of the same
Toto Wolff and Christian Horner skeptical of the new Formula 1 move
The two gentlemen sit at the helm of the teams that have won every championship since 2010. Fair to say, they know the ins and outs of the business. When asked about a new entrant, both had a rather skeptical stance. Wolff discussed at length the time and effort it takes to reach the zenith at this elite series. He was also dubious about the fiscal impact of an 11th team on the rest of the grid, especially initially in its course. “The opinion that we have expressed is that it’s very difficult in Formula 1 to perform. It has taken us many years to be where we are,” said Wolff as reported by Planet F1.
“If it can help us increase our audiences or if there are lots of marketing dollars that are being invested, similar to what we have done over the years. Red Bull and Mercedes, sitting here, I mean, hundreds of millions. And if that were the case, I think we need to be all open-minded and say how can we contribute to making that happen?” added the Austrian boss.
Meanwhile, Horner did no effort in hiding the fact that he doesn’t consider it a workable move. His primary questions were regarding the distribution of prize pool money, which will witness an extra share if an 11th team enters.
“Why should we dilute our element of the prize fund? I think the issues remain the same as 12 months ago, both fiscally–what is the incentive for an existing team or franchise to accept an 11th entrant–and then ultimately, who pays?” asked the Red Bull boss.
Moreover, he laid concerns about the logistical arrangements of accommodating a 11th team. That includes the location of motorhomes, trucks, pit wall at smaller venues. Tell us what you think of the whole situation in the comments below.
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