Wolff doubts Andretti’s F1 value

During the race weekend in Miami, there was again talk about the possible appearance of a new American team in Formula 1 – the Andretti Global project is run by Michael Andretti, a former racer and now a very successful entrepreneur.

His father, 1978 world champion Mario Andretti, assured Sky Sports the day before: “If everything works out, we will be in Formula 1 by 2024. We already have agreements with the engine manufacturer (Renault), we have the necessary financing and of course we have the know-how. But we must do everything we can to meet the requirements of the FIA.”

However, Toto Wolff is not sure whether the appearance of the 11th team will give anything to Formula 1 and make the championship more valuable. At the same time, the head of Mercedes AMG F1 hinted that such a project would not come cheap for the rest of the participants.

“A lot has been said about the American bid for the championship. Speaking of the pros, I’m sure the appearance of a real American team with an American racer would be very appropriate, – said Wolff. – But today we have ten teams and we divide the prize money between these ten participants. Over the past 10 years we have invested heavily, and each of the organizations whose representatives are before you now have invested over a billion over the years in projects related to Formula 1.

Therefore, when a new team appears, it is necessary that the prize money is also increased. How else can you show that you get more money than in reality such a project will cost everyone?

Speaking of the organizations “whose representatives are in front of you”, Wolff was referring to McLaren and Alpine, as Zach Brown and Laurent Rossi also attended the press conference with him.