Currently, there are 10 teams that appear at the start of a Grand Prix in Formula 1. In the future, there could be 11, as Andretti-Cadillac wants to make an entry. The US team has already been licensed by the FIA and now needs to get approval from the FOM. How do current F1 drivers actually feel about an eleventh team on the grid?
Lawson is comfortable with eleventh team
Liam Lawson, who was allowed to drive five Grands Prix this season because of the injured Daniel Ricciardo, is quite happy with a new Formula 1 team. The New Zealander is out of the running in terms of F1 seats for 2024 and thinks an eleventh team in F1 might have prevented this.
“In my situation, yes, it could definitely help. Obviously, having more cars on the grid for racing, but it’s something I’ve never really thought about because there’s always just been 10 teams like this. I don’t really know. I think specifically for someone like me, yes, it can help make this happen in Formula One,” Lawson says.
Russell especially wants a quality team
“I think Formula One is the pinnacle and we want to see quality competition. So I’m not for, I’m not against, but definitely if there were to be an extra team, it’s got to be a quality outfit, one that can add to the sport,” Russell begins about a possible 11th F1 team.
“We want to see competition. In an ideal world, you want to see all 10 teams fighting against one another. So I’m sure F1 will come to the best conclusion and answer, whatever it may be, but we’ve got to have quality over quantity. But as I said, I don’t feel strongly.”
Ocon and Piastri do see eleventh team in place
Like Lawson, Esteban Ocon and Oscar Piastri do see an eleventh team in Formula 1. “It’s up to F1 now to decide. I think it could create opportunities for younger people coming through. It needs to be a team that is going to bring value to the sport, of course. So yeah, up to F1,” Piastri also stressed that the team does need to add value.
“I think it’s great to see that there’s so many interests for Formula One at the moment and that the sport obviously attracts a lot of new partners, a lot of big names in general. But I don’t know what the future will hold. F1 will come to a conclusion soon. So we should know pretty soon,” said the Frenchman.
Alonso and Perez keen to see Andretti-Cadillac in F1
Whether Andretti-Cadillac will really add value to Formula 1 is not in doubt for Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez. “It’s a good name to have in Formula One, obviously. But at the same time, that decision doesn’t really rely on us. Let’s wait and see. But it will be a good name and certainly a good team to bring to the sport. We’ll see what happens in the end,” Perez commented.
“Yes, a great team, Michael. He will obviously be a great name to add to Formula One, but there are other people in charge of these kinds of decisions. First FIA, then FOM and the teams as well. I don’t know exactly what to say. Whatever the final decision is, it’s going to be OK. I like Michael, as I said. I like the organization, but I also understand other things. I will support as well, whatever Aston Martin’s position is. I will be OK with anything,” Alonso revealed that he is not very worried about the possible eleventh team.
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