“Do we need to stay with 10, do we need to have more teams,” Stefano Domenicali addresses the biggest question in Formula 1 at the moment

Stefano Domenicali claims 10 Formula 1 teams are enough to run the show.

“Do we need to stay with 10, do we need to have more teams,” Stefano Domenicali addresses the biggest question in Formula 1 at the moment

Stefano Domenicali. Image via Bleacher Report.

Earlier this year, the governing body of Formula 1, the FIA, opened the process for potential new teams to join the sport. There were at least four teams who wanted to enter F1. This, of course, includes Micheal Andretti. The “Expression of Interest” process began in January, and the deadline was May 15th. However, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali did not seem enthusiastic about Andretti’s and other teams’ interest in joining Formula 1. 

The Italian claims that ten teams are enough to run the show. While Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff rejected the idea of an 11th team on the F1 grid, Stefano Domenicali also feels the same for now. There have been mixed reactions from the paddock regarding this subject. Domenicali explained that there is an evaluation and spoke about the FIA’s decisions to make the right call in the future. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSRB04uHJiw

Stefano Domenicali said, “I think that 10 teams are more than enough to create the show, or the business and the attention that we want to see on the track.” His comes after Horner’s remarks of having no place to accommodate an 11th team in the circuits. It was one thing Toto Wolff and Horner agreed on. However, the final call will be made by the FIA.

Domenicali stated, “Do we need to stay with 10, do we need to have more teams, or can we give the exemption to future possible teams that can be very strong to join?” He concluded that this topic would be a part of the discussion in the future. 

Related: Stefano Domenicali claims potential buyers are ‘offering Billions’ to F1 teams amidst the sport’s global boom

Stefano Domenicali wants to make the right call regarding additional F1 teams

Formula 1 (Image via F1)
Formula 1 (Image via F1)

 Domenicali added, “There is an evaluation going on today that involves the FIA and us making the right call for the future, this is something that is also connected to the future discussion that will happen with the renewal of the Concorde Agreement.” The Concorde Agreement is a contract between F1, FIA, and the existing teams. Teams must sign this agreement if they want to compete in Formula 1. However, this expires in 2025, and they will renew it. 

Stefano Domenicali explained that in the past, the teams were entering and leaving the sport with zero value. Things have changed now as the Formula 1 teams are now more stable than they have ever been. They are profitable and have a strong technical capability which is required if they want to be competitive on track.

Thanks to Netflix’s popular series, Drive to Survive, F1 has had a global reach and an increase in viewership. While it boosts the value of the F1 teams, it makes it difficult for new teams to enter the sport. It remains to be seen how the future will turn out. 

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