Andretti Motosport has been trying to get their foot into the Formula 1 world for a long time now. They currently have their cars racing in the IndyCar Championship in the United States and the Extreme E Championship. While they have seen success in IndyCar, they are yet to see it in Extreme E. Now they hope to come into Formula 1 as an 11th team.
As it stands, if a new team is to enter the sport, the FIA and Formula 1 have guaranteed that it will not lead to a reduction in the prize share for the existing teams. This has prevented new teams from entering the sport. This means that any new teams that enter the sport will not receive the prize money for a certain period of time. However, this agreement is set to expire after the 2025 season.
🚨 | Andretti’s F1 bid is largely expected to receive FIA approval.
The question is whether F1 and Liberty Media agree.
Meanwhile, on Andretti’s site… pic.twitter.com/x3wPp4ZU0t
— formularacers (@formularacers_) September 5, 2023
In 2026 it has been speculated that new teams will get their prize money from their first season itself. This allows the team to get back the money they invested fairly quickly. Which is why Andretti has entered their bid for the 2026 season.
It has been suspected that the FIA could approve Andretti’s bid to enter motorsport. However, it is not just up to the FIA. The commercial rights holder of Formula 1, Liberty Media, also plays an important part in this decision. As it stands, it doesn’t look like they are enthused by the idea of an 11th team. Even the Formula 1 team is not happy that the FIA is considering Andretti’s bid to enter the sport. This could sway the decision of Liberty Media to oppose the 11th team.
Andretti is reportedly ready to file a lawsuit if their bid to enter the sport is denied. However, FIA and Liberty Media don’t seem to care about this fact. They have certain agreements with the current team that prove to be more important as their main market comes from Europe. If Liberty Media does not agree to add an 11th team, they will not do so. A threat of a lawsuit does not seem like it is going to affect their decision.
Why do F1 teams oppose Andretti’s entry?
Unlike some sports which have a fixed prize money for the participants, Formula 1 provides a revenue share to the teams. This revenue share is determined by a percentage for each team based on where they finish in the WCC. The team that finishes first will have the majority of the share, while the team that finishes last will have the least.
A new team entry will mean that the percentages will be reduced for each team. As a result, the total amount will also take a hit. Until the 2025 season, if a new team is to enter the sport, there will be a $200 million dilution fund that the team will have to pay. This fund will be distributed to the existing Formula 1 teams.
Toto Wolff wants a new team in F1, but only if they can add value to the sport đź‘€
Would you like to see Andretti in #F1 soon? Let us know in the comments 💬👇#Andretti #Mercedes #TotoWolff #Motorsport pic.twitter.com/49OdjDvsSo
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) August 9, 2022
However, with the new agreement in 2026, it is speculated that this dilution fund will not be a part of the deal. This allows the new team to get their share of the prize money (Estimated to be $600 million). So any amount that is invested by the team to enter the sport will be paid off with the prize money.
While this benefits the new team, it will not be good for the existing ones. The existing teams’ prize money will be affected negatively with the addition of a new team. The only way that their prize money does not get affected is if the new team adds to the viewership and ticket sales for the Grand Prix. However, the tickets are being sold out at most of the Grand Prix already. So the existing teams believe that Andretti Motorsport will not add much value to the sport.
What will Andretti do if their bid is rejected?
Even if Andretti’s bid is rejected, all hope may not be lost for them. They do have an option to enter the sport without adding an 11th team. If they are able to make a deal with one of the existing teams in Formula 1 to become their works team, it could work out for everyone. Audi Motorsport has made a move like this with Sauber for the 2026 season.
Out of all the teams that are already on the grid, Haas and Alpine seem like teams Andretti could partner with. Haas is also an American team but with a lot less resources than the other Formula 1 teams. As depicted by the Drive to Survive series, the team is currently struggling with financial resources. Andretti could take over for Haas and can contribute a lot more financially. This could help Haas find success and be profitable in Formula 1.
Helmut Marko has suggested that Andretti should buy the Alpine F1 team
“Andretti should buy the Alpine team,”
“That would be best for everyone. Formula 1 would keep its 10 teams, Andretti could finally get in and Renault can still be involved.”
[@SPORT1] #F1 pic.twitter.com/ELVXWWTbvK
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) August 7, 2023
The same can be said for Alpine as well. The team is struggling to form a proper management team. They have been all over the place with their choice of team principal. With Ryan Reynolds’ investment group buying a share of Alpine, they could broker the deal between Alpine and Andretti.
A successful American team could add value to the sport. We currently have 3 races taking place in the United States. A successful team such as Andretti could further motivate spectators in the US to witness the sport.
Will we see Andretti Motorsport on the grid from 2026, if yes, will they enter as a 11th team or will they take over another team like Haas? Place your answers and opinions in the comment section below.