While Michael Andretti is doing his utmost to try to join the starting grid of Formula 1 in 2024, the American manifesting himself in the media more pronouncedly in recent hours and days he has so far encountered opposition from certain teams and the FIA, visibly reluctant to welcome to 11th team.
Frédéric Vasseur, the director of Alfa Romeo F1, is one of those who oppose Andretti’s arrival in the discipline. The Frenchman explains that it’s nothing personal, but he wonders what added value this newcomer would really bring in comparison with a major manufacturer.
« When we were talking about an 11th team, which was three years ago, we took the example of Porsche and said ‘OK, let’s imagine that a brand like Porsche wants to join F1 and do everything on its own, would it make sense for us to open the door to them? » Vasseur told RACER.
« And in that case, you say to yourself ‘yes, of course’, because it would add a lot of value to the paddock, it would bring in a new engine manufacturer and let’s not forget that at that time the sport was in danger . »
« That’s why we said we were ready to open the door. I don’t want to talk about Andretti because it’s nothing personal, but to add a new team that would do the same as the others, without much value added, I’m not sure that makes sense now. »
« Also, because this is a mid-term process, a team could decide today to join the grid in two or three years, but who knows what the situation will be like then. « If we had already had 11 teams two or three years ago, I think three or four teams would have collapsed. And as soon as one team collapses, the domino effect sets in. »
« Ultimately it will be up to F1 and the FIA to decide. I’m not a big fan of the idea because I know where we all come from together, and I would say it would be OK if we knew the project, if we had all the information and we were convinced that it would bring added value to F1.
« But I don’t think the nationality of the team adds value. One of the biggest markets in F1 is in the Netherlands, and yet we don’t have a Dutch team, only a pilot. »
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https://formulaone.news/alfa-romeo/five-young-alpine-drivers-should-take-a-f1-chance-on
