(Motorsport-Total.com) – Will Andretti-Cadillac quickly turn out to be the eleventh group in Formula 1? If former pilot Juan Pablo Montoya has his means, the reply is not any. “I’d wish to see them on the grid, however I do not see it coming,” the Colombian informed Motorsport.com’s Dutch ballot. “Unless they purchase one other group.
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Juan Pablo Montoya doesn’t anticipate Andretti to have a lot of an opportunity
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Michael Andretti has been aggressively attempting to get into Formula 1 for a couple of yr. But to date, the American has taken among the wind. Although it introduced the biggest US automobile producer, General Motors, with its Cadillac model a number of weeks in the past, the street to top quality appears very tough.
“It’s unlucky, nevertheless it’s onerous to persuade everybody,” says Montoya. Because clearly the opposite groups are all in regards to the cash. Although the rookie ought to convey with him $200 million, which is split among the many different groups, it’s not sufficient for a lot of: they concern that the additional group will price cash, as a result of the prize cash shall be divided additional.
“You know the way the groups are and the sport,” he says. That’s why Montoya Andretti Audi would suggest the way in which it’s now. The producer introduced yesterday that it had purchased a minority stake in Sauber forward of its bid to enter Formula 1 as its personal group in 2026.
“If you need to be in Formula 1 long-term, you should purchase 30 or 40 % of Alpine with the choice to purchase one other 40 or 20 % after two years. Then you possibly can handle the group and you are able to do no matter you need,” – stated the ex-pilot.
He doesn’t see the Formula 1 area increasing. Montoya lacks added worth: “What’s the purpose? If you watch a Formula 1 race, half the vehicles aren’t going to point out anyway,” he says. “Let’s say you are McLaren, Aston Martin or Alpine. When a brand new group comes in, your TV time is even much less.”
In his view, midfield groups are under-represented anyway, and if they’re joined by one other competitor, they are going to lose extra TV time. “Then when you promote your self to a sponsor, you may get 10 % much less publicity for a similar cash. And on the finish of the yr, you may have much less TV cash. So why would you say sure?”
“Formula 1 is a enterprise”
Montoya understands the group’s strategy: “Formula 1 is a enterprise,” he is aware of. “Everyone right here is attempting to become profitable. And everyone seems to be right here to do their job – from drivers to engineers to group principals. So why do you suppose extra vehicles are higher?”
“Was it okay to have 24 vehicles on the road?” he asks. The final time was in 2012 earlier than HRT collapsed after three years in first grade. At the time, the group was one in every of three racing groups allowed to enter Formula 1 in 2010, none of which provided a lot added worth – a minimum of that is the frequent notion.
“It did not work as a result of they did not have the cash,” says Montoya. Andretti, alternatively, will need to have adequate funds and in addition pay a big entry charge. “But if they’ve that a lot cash, why would not one other group purchase?”
Andretti tried this with Sauber, however in the tip couldn’t come to an settlement with the homeowners. Since then, Michael Andretti has tried to construct his personal group, however to date he has not been satisfied, even Montoya stated, “Yes, Andretti is a really huge title in the United States, however how many individuals actually know Andretti. In Europe?”
Montoya’s thought for youth
But, in fact, there are arguments in favor of increasing the sphere. For instance, extra vehicles on the grid would give Formula 1 entry to extra drivers and in addition give youthful drivers an opportunity.
Formula 1 took a step in this course final yr, setting two necessary duties for brand spanking new gamers in every group. However, this solely applies to the free expertise. Montoya took the concept and expanded it to permit extra riders.
“Teams can use a 3rd automobile for half of the race. Or you possibly can rely on 22 vehicles each week. Each group has to make use of a junior driver for 2 races,” he says. “You title a driver at the start of the yr after which they should drive two races. It offers them an opportunity to develop and get racing expertise.”
The groups nonetheless have a base, he says. “And the additional price will not eat the group.”
In his view, this additionally opens up alternatives for methods. “If your automobile is nice, you possibly can select to attain factors from another person as a result of the observe fits you. Let’s say Ferrari have the quickest automobile at Monza, they will convey a 3rd automobile there and provides the younger drivers an opportunity. .”
(Our editor Ruben Zimmermann additionally mentioned whether or not an eleventh group would assist with Formula 1 drivers Kevin Scheuren and Sophie Affeldt in the brand new challenge of Starting Grid journal.)