At present, Formula One has ten teams. But in the future, there will definitely be more than ten teams, and maybe the entry of new teams will take away the attention that the front-row teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari get. In 2022, Audi was confirmed to be one of the new entries. However, they will be taking the Sauber group. So probably, the Alfa Romeos will be replaced. But, the increment in the grid will definitely happen when Volkswagen and Andretti join Formula One. With their entry, Mercedes principal Toto Wolff is not happy. He is totally against increasing the number of cars on the grid. What does he fear? Why does Toto Wolff not want Andretti to join F1?
Recently, with Audi’s registering in Formula One, several rumors have been spread about other cars too to join the sport. Volkswagen and Mario Andretti are two names mostly taken in the rumor, as their owners have conducted meetings with FIA. Now, one must know what Andretti already has; even before joining Formula One and showing what they can do; Andretti has got fame in motorsports.
Andretti has the power to help another American team to join Formula One, as it will be helpful from a commercial perspective. And the one thing that runs in motorsport other than cars is MONEY. This is what scares Toto Wolff. He believes that the existing teams will have to suffer if they cannot bring in enough money.
Will The New Entries Bring Enough Money? Toto Wolff Is Afraid
Besides, the profit share of Formula One, which is $36 million at present, will be decreased to a minimum of $32 million. Toto Wolff does not want Andretti or any other new team to consume the dollars without returns. Speaking with motorsports.com, the Mercedes Principal said, “If a team joins F1, how can one prove that they bringing in more amount than they are costing?” He explained that if the 11th team if in case joins Formula One, then it will cause a 10% dilution to all the other ten teams which already exist.
According to the Austrian, the new teams joining in the future will not have enough money that will help with the prize cheque. The more limited team is, the more benefits one gets in the sport. He says that he can demonstrate the fact. And yet, if he sits on the table to cheer for such entry, then it will be unfair. However, things have not yet been demonstrated. Toto said, “The value of Formula One is having a limited amount of franchises.” The sport has dignity and legacy. If, by adding teams, the value is getting diluted, then Toto Wolff will definitely stand against it.
As of late, Mario Andretti is looking forward to making the team before 2024 F1 season begins. Most probably, there will be a new entry in the grid after a year. But as Toto Wolff is protesting, several others may join him, and then FIA might have to take a bold decision. Let’s see if FIA listens to the already existing teams or believes in the newcomers.
