[Sport] Andretti awaits news on F1 expansion

[#Steeven.™]

Michael Andretti is back at the Miami Grand Prix with his network of financial backers, in his bid to win a Formula One team

Michael Andretti is back at the Miami Grand Prix with his network of financial backers, in his bid to win a Formula One team.

Andretti Global is one of four groups interested in submitting an "official expression of interest", through a series of documents, to the FIA, which in January created a formal process to explore the possible expansion of the grid, beyond the current 10 teams. .

The initial deadline of April 30 was extended to May 15.

This process began after Andretti, who in 2021 failed to buy the Sauber team, asked the FIA to expand the grid so that he could place an American team with two cars.
Last year, at the first Grand Prix in Miami, Andretti visited each team, in an unsuccessful attempt to request that they sign a petition in support of his efforts.

All but two of the teams have vehemently opposed the addition of Andretti or the grid expansion in general, as they do not want to dilute revenue.

F1's current regulations contain provisions for up to 13 teams, and the FIA is not expected to rule on any new requests until late summer. The original deadline was June 30, but it was moved with the extension of the period to submit applications.

The four known applicants are Andretti, in a joint venture with General Motors and Cadillac; an initiative by Craig Pollock, called Formula Equal, which would have funding from Saudi Arabia; a British-based team dubbed the Hitech Grand Prix; and LKY SUNZ, a Southeast Asian-backed outfit.

Back in Miami, where Andretti was touring the paddock, team principals who have opposed his involvement acknowledged that they ultimately have no say in the process.

"First of all, we have no say in this," said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. "If we were asked our opinion, we would give it, but we are not part of the process of choosing or not choosing a team."

Wolff has argued that any new entrants will need to have the funds to invest aggressively to help the sport grow.

“We've been through some really tough times, where Formula One hasn't been the success it is today, and therefore I think anyone who comes into the sport should bring something new to the show,” he said. “It can help us grow our audience or have a lot of marketing dollars invested, something similar to what we have done in these years.”

 

https://www.independentespanol.com/deportes/andretti-espera-noticias-sobre-expansion-de-f1-b2334204.html