Martin Brundle demands expansion of F1 grid to 12 teams amidst strong resistance from existing 10 teams

Several teams have openly expressed their desire to join Formula One.


Martin Brundle demands expansion of F1 grid to 12 teams amidst strong resistance from existing 10 teams

Martin Brundle via Irish Mirror

Since the inception of the turbo-hybrid era, Formula One have been accustomed to having ten teams on the grid. The current teams have been on the grid since 2017, implying that the sport hasn’t witnessed a change for the last seven years. Since 2012, there have not been 12 teams participating in the championship.

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However, with the dawn of a new era anticipated in 2025, more teams are expressing their desire to join F1. This is amidst opposition from the current teams occupying the grid. If the entry of two new teams is approved, this will make it 12 and a total of 24 cars going head-to-head on track. F1 commentator Martin Brundle is in favor of this.

Martin Brundle spoke to Sky Sports F1 about having more teams. He said, “I think F1 could well do with having 24 cars on the grid. I think we need even more stories and characters, so I think F1 should work towards that.” Brundle also mentioned that the new entrants must be credible, as the 10 existing teams are wary of diluting their franchise values. They might be hesitant to welcome new teams.

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Karun Chandhok argues that the current grid of 10 teams in Formula 1 limits the opportunities for young drivers to advance into the sport. He suggests expanding the grid to 12 teams. He believes it would alleviate the bottleneck and provide more chances for talented drivers to showcase their skills. For example, like Felipe Drugovich, an F2 champion, who spectates from the sidelines.

Related: Hong Kong Billionaire wants to have an F1 team based in China’s famous Pearl River Delta

Michael Andretti is intent on entering F1, despite the challenges and Martin Brundle is in favor of new teams

Andretti Cadillac (Image via Sky Sports)
Andretti Cadillac (Image via Sky Sports)

The son of Ex-Ferrari driver Mario Andretti, Michael, intends to submit a formal application to enter a team into Formula 1 by the upcoming deadline of Monday, May 15th, 2023. The FIA plan to review all applications and aim to make a decision regarding potential applicants by June 30.

Michael Andretti is spearheading a bid from his team, which already participates in other motorsport categories, to enter Formula 1. As part of this endeavor, Andretti is collaborating with the Cadillac brand, owned by General Motors. He wants to strengthen the team’s prospects in the championship.

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If Michael Andretti’s team wants to enter Formula 1 in 2025, they will have a huge task ahead of them. Nonetheless, he has confirmed that they are actively assembling a team. He indicated their commitment and determination to meet the deadline.

Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, has expressed opposition to the idea of Andretti-Cadillac joining the F1 grid. He stated that it would dilute the prize money of the standing teams. The entry cost is currently at $200 Million. But that stands to increase to $600 Million for the sake of anti-dilution in the near future, according to reports. This is a big hurdle to overcome for the Italian, who seems determined to get the Andretti name back in F1.

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