Gunther Steiner claims that a new F1 team could jeopardize long-term stability of existing teams

Gunther Steiner warned F1 against the addition of a new team on the grid.

Gunther Steiner claims that a new F1 team could jeopardize long-term stability of existing teams

Gunther Steiner (image via RacingNews365)

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Formula 1 is rising in popularity, with millions of new fans following the sport recently. This has led to the interest of new teams to join the grid in the future. With the likes of Andretti-Cadillac and Hitech GP already submitting their bids. However, Haas F1 Team Principal Gunther Steiner warned the FIA and F1 regarding the lack of stability in a new entrant.

Steiner explained that adding a new team would change the current stable status quo of the existing ten teams. This could potentially lead to a grid with even fewer than ten teams in the future if the 11th team ends up facing troubled waters. He told Motorsportweek, “You have ten very stable teams which are all technically stable, financially stable. If you put another team in and maybe somebody gets in jeopardy in three or four years time. Maybe only eight or nine teams will be left.”

The Italian highlighted that Formula 1 as a sport is currently at its peak. As such, Gunther Steiner believed that the sport would be better off without another team. As that would alter the commercial revenue structure for all groups. The 58-year-old claimed that teams might even face bankruptcy. The Haas team boss explained, “You’ll be sitting here in three years saying you’ve lost a team because it went bankrupt.”

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Gunther Steiner believes ten teams are enough for F1

2022 Spanish GP, (image via F1)
2022 Spanish GP, (image via F1)

The 58-year-old was adamant that it was perhaps the first time that the sport had a stable grid with ten competitors. As such, the expansion of the grid would shake up the current structure that has succeeded since 2017. After the Manor F1 team folded the previous winter, subsequently, Steiner insisted that Formula One Management must ensure the sport’s business model remains in place. He stated, “The business is run by FOM and they need to make sure that this is sustainable.”

Despite the backlash from existing teams regarding new entrants into F1, the FIA has remained adamant about expanding the grid. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has clarified that the sports governing body would approve bids for a new F1 team if the proposal meets the required criteria. Several proposals have been known to be in the race, including Andretti-Cadillac Hitech GP, Formula Equal, and LKY SUNZ.

Thus, Gunther Steiner has warned F1 over the possible ramifications of new teams on the grid. The Haas team boss believed that a new entrant could jeopardize the stability of the entire paddock and cause more harm than good. Although, it remains to be seen if the FIA and F1 will select a new team to join the grid with the sport’s new 2026 regulations.

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