'Loud' Andretti team may not bring 'value' according F1 boss
Aug.25 - Formula 1 is still reluctant to open the sport's paddock gates to a new American team headed by Michael Andretti.
Even this week's big news of a new global headquarters for 'Andretti Global' in Indiana are not enough to pique the interest of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
"At the moment we don't see that adding more teams would bring us more value," he said.
Stefano Domenicali
F1's existing teams are also lukewarm about the Andretti project, regarding it simply as the dilution of the lucrative income paid by Formula One Management.
Domenicali appears to side with the teams - and is critical of Andretti's recent criticism of the F1 reluctance.
"There are other interested parties who express their wishes discreetly," said the Italian. "Andretti has chosen the loud way.
"There is a very clear protocol. Anyone who applies for a place in the field must be solidly positioned and committed to the long term," Domenicali added.
Indeed, the former Ferrari boss's eyes are probably elsewhere - as Audi and Porsche prepare to enter the sport in 2026, Honda considers a full return, and rumours of another carmaker interested in F1 swirl.
"If so many manufacturers are interested in Formula 1 at a time that is not easy for the automotive industry, this gives our platform the greatest credibility," Domenicali said.
"It shows that we are on the right track with our mix of innovative technology and entertainment. "If we had perhaps eight manufacturers on board in the future, there is no longer the danger that one will control everything."
He said the new engine rules in 2026 are a big step towards sustainability, but F1 is determined to be a platform that "allows manufacturers to show that there is another path".
"You have to find a balance between technical innovation, sustainability and not forgetting that you have to provide emotion and good racing. Because if not, it would not be F1," said Domenicali.
To make F1 even more immediately attractive, a further shakeup of the race weekend format is on the cards. Free practice, for one, looks set for a serious overhaul.
"The engineers and the drivers like it, but the spectators want more," Domenicali said.
"I am very determined about this. Apart from the first round on Friday, I would like points or prizes to be awarded every day, in every single session, while respecting the sacredness of the race on Sunday."
He also wants an expansion of the current three 'sprint' weekends per season to six in 2023.
"It is good that F1 is exploring another type of grand prix, and we are working to have six (sprint) races in 2023 and the details of the format may change," said Domenicali.
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Stefano's display of his anti-American bias is as obvious as the nose on his face. By "loud" he means "crass and unlettered", preferring to deal with those of a proper lineage at Porsche or Audi. As he's lived his life in the hard-left monolithic EU, his bias is to be expected.
So, even though Michael Andretti had a ho-hum F1 career, I applaude the American can-do attitude and their public dialog. I hope they muscle their way onto the grid.
Doms a bit Dim , on the right track lol after Honda A HUGE NAME return to WC Status they still want to leave he mentions P and A as if it's two separate firms now either hes stupid or he thinks we are..!
One organisation, two teams. I would liken P and A's proposed cars to current MB and McL cars ~ same engines, different chassis.
Just like Alfa are Ferrari f1 engines, Germans can be and often are considered Arrogant, but they build some very good engines, but not even they are daft enough to build two completely different engines Audi s5/s8 and the same 5.2ltr mfrd aged engine in equiv Lmbo
i don't think he and his tribesmen understand the concept of hypocrisy
"committed to the long term" and Honda don't belong in the same sentence - they've pulled out more times than a horny teenager
I call it can don't
There's a right way to succeed and a wrong way that lacks success as crass as Stefano might be himself
Success is being at the dinner table to eat the pudding with the rest of the family
It seems like Andretti might have submitted an application without any consultation
And VW also has clear value that they bring to the table
Andretti has never addressed this issue even if it's just to enhance oneself in the media wars got to win in the board room to get on track
No free pass even VW had to go through years of a process to get this close to the grid
They even negotiated adjustments to engine rules and formats before they would commit
After recent engine rules announcements we learned of VW filing business and incorporation papers with the appropriate ruling bodies
They took a step by step business process
As successful as Andretti has been with his current businesses he has shown no acumen for the F1 shark infested waters
It's clear he's been a life long F1 fan and has aimed many times to join the club
When he attempted a season with McLaren he continued to live in the states and just fly in at race weekends it ended with an early break of his contract I think about 3 races early
When Bobby Rahal joined the club he moved his family to England
Andretti seems to be missing some dedication in some areas
Stefano being a gentleman or not has his own bosses to deal with and also decides if he hands out keys to the shark waters pool
He should be buying Toto dinner a lot and just sitting and talking with him and pointing out any value he could bring
When you're trying to join a club you need to win friends and influence people jot to stand rigidly you need to bend more than they do
Wonder why the Sauber negotiations fell through when it was said that they were so close at one point...
Red bull entered the club in a brash manner but they have cooled off over the years and added tremendous value to the club over the years
It might be argued that F1 has added more to their value and they like the club so much they're building engines now
Just a few thoughts to share in this conversation
VW have signed nothing agreed Nothing they are equally able to jump ship as an engine supplier as Honda have done at least 3 times before plus any filing 've have done is standard business practice nothing more or less if we were still in the v8/v10 era 've could have joined f1 within a yr..!! So why's it different now Answer- it isnt
Too much crap written about this story by media and uninformed posters as usual but what's new pommes frites all round please
VW is being business prudent and sensible
They wouldn't be in this deep if things weren't going their way
They're not going anywhere even though they haven't signed anything yet
This is exactly what they want
Just sensibly getting it done that's all
They're taking the necessary steps going through the proper motions
Just their business practice
Maybe extra prudent after recent years of exhaust scandals...ha lol
F1 has and always will be Euro-centric. And as the EU is governed by ex-officio non-elected bureaucrats who live to create and enforce a mind-boggling spectrum of rules and regulations, it stands to reason that F1 would naturally do the same.
Of course, navigating the wilderness of requirements becomes much more doable, if the path forward is discussed over a lovely couq au vin with a crisp Merlot, served on a terrace overlooking the Med.
I clearly remember Michael Andretti flying in for the weekend race, and fleeing back to the States after his latest crash. He didn't even stay for the post race Q & A. So, there is obviously a bit of attitude there and should I say impatience.
Memories, and grudges, last a long time. So, I agree with you Jan, there has to be a little bit of humility on the part of the Andretti Corporation coupled with a willingness to schmooze FIA officials.
I'm interested in seeing how it all plays out.
Thanks for the nice share
I guess Canucks are as nice as their reputation eh
Happy viewing
The myriad of happenings in F1 are just more entertainment in addition to track activities for us in the end
They only count our money as it adds up
We are their addicts...of speed...
P.s. I liked the Coq au Vin comment
Too bad France got axed
It's an insult to the history of our sport
Paul Ricard wrong track though for F1 racing
Bring back Mungello or any track where there's actual racing
It surprises me that Mario, undoubtedly America's greatest racing driver to date who achieved great success in every category in which he competed, didn't educate his son a bit better in the art of how to succeed in F1. Maybe Michael didn't listen!
From what I have gathered about Michael
He's his own man.
I'm sure senior Mario tried
But stubborn is Michael it seems
Too bad as learning always moves you forward
Maybe he'll buy Gene Haas dinner now
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