F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has called into question Michael Andretti’s efforts to secure future entries, claiming the sport does not need a new team.
Andretti is trying to enter F1 with an all-new team, Andretti Global, following failing to buy the Sauber F1 team, but has expressed frustration at the slow progress.
Even this week’s big news regarding Andretti Global’s new global headquarters in Indiana isn’t enough to catch the attention of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Stefano Domenicali says he is happy with the current number of 10 teams and does not need newcomers to add value to F1. He also stressed that other organizations, not just Andretti, have expressed interest in entering F1, but have so far kept a low profile.
An entry evaluation process is ongoing, but no details have been released regarding its progress or timeline for a decision, which will ultimately be decided by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile A) under the leadership of President Mohamed bin Sulayem.
Domenicali said of Andretti’s F1 entry: “I think in the actual situation in F1 today, it’s not a question of quantity, but a step that adds value to F1.”
“It’s really a matter of understanding. It’s not just people who are loud or loud, but there are other people. Andretti was very vocal regarding his demands. Some people did the same thing in a different way. there is
“So the evaluation is not just Andretti. It is also evaluating others who respect our protocol and remain silent in order to be productive in proving who they are. “
“As I always say, today I don’t think it’s a matter of having more teams to bring more value to the championship.”
“There are protocols that have to be followed, and everyone is following them, including Andretti. That’s the situation today. We haven’t seen any change. I don’t want to say yes or no.”
Asked regarding Andretti’s plans in Hungary, Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff said the new manufacturer would add more to the sport than Andretti’s name if it planned to join the works team. rice field.
Michael Andretti’s father Mario Andretti then suggested on social media that Toto Wolff had too much influence in F1.
Asked regarding Mario Andretti’s remarks, Stefano Domenicali defended Toto Wolff.
“I believe Toto has a place as team principal,” said Stefano Domenicali.
“He’s a 30% owner of Mercedes and has a track record of winning eight titles in a row. That means his credit. There’s nothing to add.”
“I’ve known Mario for a long time. He tries to present his thoughts in a way that he thinks is right.”
“But I believe there is such a thing as governance, and that decision has to follow the protocols in place. Mario is very vocal, so is Michael. As you can imagine, I I spoke to them quite often and we need to respect that.”
“We may have different opinions but at the end of the day it’s a matter of following the protocol and there are people who make the final decision. As I said today the weak point is the number of teams in F1. I can’t see it. That’s my opinion.”
Stefano Domenicali’s eyes are probably elsewhere. Audi and Porsche are preparing to enter F1 in 2026, Honda is said to be considering a full return, and rumors are swirling that another automaker is interested in F1.
Regarding the proposal that the carmaker might enter F1 with a new team, Stedano Domenicali said: “Today we are talking regarding the new regulations for 2026, and all the manufacturers involved, existing manufacturers or Perhaps the new manufacturers we see say that time is moving very fast, it takes four years to build a new power unit,” he exclaims.
“When you’re talking regarding Formula 1 you need to be cautious because you want an entity, a team or a manufacturer that is really solid, really strong and has a complete commitment to an incredibly long-term future. There is
“So you can really add the cutting edge, but as I said today, I honestly don’t see the need for that increase to bring the sport of Formula 1 a lot of benefit.”
Stefano Domenicali also downplays suggestions that entries should be expanded from 10 to protect the sport from possible loss of Formula 1 teams in the future, given the automaker’s history of coming and going. did. Instead, he suggested that outside interest would be good for existing teams, effectively adding value to them.
“I don’t think it matters today,” said Stefano Domenicali.
“We’re the opposite. It’s the same situation as the Grand Prix. There are far more people wanting to be in than wanting to be out.”
“It’s not just a lot of manufacturers, but a lot of teams. In fact, manufacturers can talk to them, commercialize them, negotiate with them if they feel weak or they don’t have a future. can”
“So I think it’s another value for people here to know that there are manufacturers and other teams around who want to be in the business. It’s a fact that reinforces the values of F1.”
