Clearly fearful for upsetting their bosses, the vast majority of F1 drivers opted to not remark right this moment on the potential of Andretti becoming a member of the game in 2026.
For the clean expressions and refusal to even open their mouths one might need thought the vast majority of drivers at right this moment’s FIA press convention had been requested for particulars of their salaries, such was the refusal to get off the fence.
As ever, Fernando Alonso, who raced with Andretti within the Indy 500 in 2017, was ready to share his emotions however even then stopped wanting welcoming the American group with open arms.
“An amazing group,” mentioned the Spaniard when requested about the potential of Andretti becoming a member of the grid, “I do know Michael, and it is going to be an incredible identify so as to add to System 1.
“However there are different individuals accountable for these sorts of choices,” he added, “first, the FIA, after which FOM, and the groups as properly. No matter is the ultimate resolution goes to be okay.”
Certainly, solely yesterday, Aston Martin proprietor Lawrence Stroll made it fairly clear that he’s in opposition to any information groups coming into F1, insisting that “the enterprise is on hearth, has by no means been in a greater place… and if it is not damaged, you needn’t repair it.
“I am a powerful believer that it is working very well with ten groups proper now, and imagine that is the way in which it ought to keep,” he added.
“I like Michael,” mentioned Alonso, “as I mentioned, I just like the organisation, however I additionally perceive different issues, and I’ll help no matter is Aston Martin’s place. I might be okay with something.”
Requested if the addition of a brand new group would result in extra battles, the two-time world champion mentioned: “In System 1 there may be not that a lot of a battle between groups. Even when we’re 50 on observe, we’ll solely combat in opposition to one or two drivers as a result of they’ve roughly the identical package deal as you.
“There have been some discussions up to now as properly, even having three automobiles per group, issues like that,” he added. “In the long run, you by no means know what’s the greatest resolution. However as I mentioned, I believe we’ve superb individuals deciding these sorts of issues. We belief utterly the FIA, FOM, so we’re in good palms.”
As ever, George Russell had clearly been briefed by Toto Wolff.
“System 1’s the top and we need to see high quality competitors,” mentioned the Mercedes driver. “So I am not for, I am not in opposition to, however positively if there have been to be an additional group, it is acquired to be a high quality outfit, one that may add to the game.
“We need to see competitors,” he added. “In a perfect world you need to see all ten groups combating in opposition to each other. So I am positive F1 will come to the most effective conclusion and reply, no matter it could be. However we have got to have high quality over amount. However as I mentioned I do not really feel strongly.”
Fortunately, teammate Lewis Hamilton was a little bit extra open to vary, opting to not observe the occasion line.
“I’ve at all times felt that there wasn’t sufficient automobiles on the grid,” he mentioned. “So, while there will certainly be individuals that will not be joyful for me to be so supportive of it, I believe it is nice.
“It is a possibility for extra jobs, one other two seats out there for a possible feminine driver to come back by. It opens up extra potentialities and I believe it’s going to be thrilling for the race.”
Fellow world champion, Max Verstappen agreed.
“All the pieces I’ve seen up to now, plus I believe the companions they’ve and the identify, they’ve proven that they’re an expert group,” mentioned the Dutchman. “So it will be, I believe, good as a result of it provides extra alternatives for the motive force’s facet.
“However I can perceive from the group’s facet they do not need it,” he added. “So it is a difficult one, it is a robust one.
“On the finish of the day, the FIA, the groups and naturally FOM, they’ve extra details about how critical every little thing is and the way properly every little thing is ready. In order that’s why it is not going to be an easy resolution to make.”
