(Motorsport-Total.com) – Will Andretti-Cadillac quickly develop into the eleventh workforce in Formula 1? If former pilot Juan Pablo Montoya has his method, the reply isn’t any. “I’d prefer to see them on the grid, however I do not see it coming,” the Colombian advised Motorsport.com’s Dutch ballot. “Unless they purchase one other workforce.
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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 thus far, the American has taken a few of the wind. Although it introduced the biggest US automotive producer, General Motors, with its Cadillac model a couple of weeks in the past, the highway to firstclass appears very troublesome.
“It’s unlucky, but it surely’s laborious to persuade everybody,” says Montoya. Because clearly the opposite groups are all concerning the cash. Although the rookie ought to carry with him $200 million, which is split among the many different groups, it’s not sufficient for a lot of: they worry that the additional workforce will value cash, as a result of the prize cash will likely be divided additional.
“You know the way the groups are and the sport,” he says. That’s why Montoya Andretti Audi would suggest the best way 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 workforce in 2026.
“If you wish to be in Formula 1 long-term, you should buy 30 or 40 % of Alpine with the choice to purchase one other 40 or 20 % after two years. Then you’ll be able to handle the workforce and you are able to do no matter you need,” – stated the ex-pilot.
He doesn’t see the Formula 1 subject 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 workforce 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’ll lose extra TV time. “Then when you promote your self to a sponsor, you will get 10 % much less publicity for a similar cash. And on the finish of the yr, you will have much less TV cash. So why would you say sure?”
“Formula 1 is a enterprise”
Montoya understands the workforce’s method: “Formula 1 is a enterprise,” he is aware of. “Everyone right here is attempting to generate profits. And everyone seems to be right here to do their job – from drivers to engineers to workforce 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 workforce was one in all three racing groups allowed to enter Formula 1 in 2010, none of which provided a lot added worth – not less than 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 enough funds and in addition pay a big entry payment. “But if they’ve that a lot cash, why would not one other workforce 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 workforce, however thus far he has not been satisfied, even Montoya stated, “Yes, Andretti is a really huge identify in the United States, however how many individuals actually know Andretti. In Europe?”
Montoya’s concept for youth
But, in fact, there are arguments in favor of increasing the sector. 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 path final yr, setting two obligatory duties for brand new gamers in every workforce. However, this solely applies to the free expertise. Montoya took the thought and expanded it to permit extra riders.
“Teams can use a 3rd automotive for half of the race. Or you’ll be able to rely on 22 vehicles each week. Each workforce has to make use of a junior driver for 2 races,” he says. “You identify a driver at the start of the yr after which they need to drive two races. It provides them an opportunity to develop and get racing expertise.”
The groups nonetheless have a base, he says. “And the additional value will not eat the workforce.”
In his view, this additionally opens up alternatives for methods. “If your automotive is nice, you’ll be able to select to attain factors from another person as a result of the monitor fits you. Let’s say Ferrari have the quickest automotive at Monza, they will carry a 3rd automotive there and provides the younger drivers an opportunity. .”
(Our editor Ruben Zimmermann additionally mentioned whether or not an eleventh workforce would assist with Formula 1 drivers Kevin Scheuren and Sophie Affeldt in the brand new challenge of Starting Grid journal.)