FIA give Andretti green light to join grid - but will F1 do the same?
Oct 3, 2023
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Andretti's bid for a new F1 entry has been approved by the FIA, but commercial discussions with F1 and the teams are the next tricky step. The podcast also looks ahead to the Qatar Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen could potentially be crowned world champion for the third time.
Andretti's bid to join Formula 1 has been approved by the FIA, but they still need to navigate challenging "commercial discussions" with F1 and the teams.
Andretti's entry into F1 has sparked a political battle between F1 and the teams, with implications for future new teams in the sport.
The upcoming Qatar Grand Prix could see Max Verstappen secure his third world championship and is expected to be dominated by Red Bull.
Deep dives
Overview of Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix
The Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix is an adrenaline-pumping cultural event that showcases the world's first night street race in the scenic Marina Bay with a view of the iconic Singapore skyline. The race has established itself as a classic and continues to captivate F1 fans. Attending the Singapore Grand Prix provides a world-class experience with exceptional hospitality, exciting events, and mouth-watering food. Early bird tickets for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix are now available.
The Andretti Formula Racing's Application for F1 Grid
Andretti Formula Racing's application to join the Formula One grid has been accepted by the FIA after a rigorous analysis of their sporting, financial, and technical capabilities. However, the final decision now rests with F1 and the teams. While Andretti has the desire to be on the grid, they do not meet FOM's preference for new entries to be manufacturer teams. The commercial rights holder also wants new teams to buy out existing entries, which presents a challenge in granting Andretti a place on the grid.
The Politics and Challenges Behind Andretti's Entry
The Andretti Formula Racing's entry into F1 has ignited a political battle between F1 and the teams. The move to invite tenders for new teams was seen as a marker by the FIA to assert their authority over Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder. However, the existing teams are resistant to accepting a new team that could potentially dilute their share of the earnings. The lack of a clear commercial framework and the vague definition of "value" that a new team should bring to F1 further complicates the situation. The rejection or acceptance of Andretti's entry could have long-term implications for future new teams in F1.
The Expectations and Challenges of the Qatar Grand Prix
The upcoming Qatar Grand Prix promises fast and challenging corners, rewarding the good cars and talented drivers. The track's aggressive surface may pose some tire wear challenges, but with the harder tire compounds, tire failures are less likely. The race is expected to be dominated by Red Bull, McLaren could be competitive, while Mercedes and Ferrari may struggle due to the track's characteristics. The event will feature a sprint weekend format and could potentially see Max Verstappen clinch his third consecutive world championship.
The Likelihood of Verstappen Winning the Championship in the Sprint
Max Verstappen is widely expected to secure his third world championship at the upcoming sprint race in Qatar. While some may find it unusual to determine the champion in a sprint race, the timing aligns with the existing rules and regulations. Verstappen's dominance throughout the season makes his victory highly likely, and the sprint race format doesn't significantly impact the celebration or his achievements. The focus will be on his outstanding performance and the impressive season by Red Bull Racing.
Mark Hughes and Ben Anderson join Edd Straw to discuss the news that Andretti’s bid for a new Formula 1 entry has been approved by the FIA. They discuss what this news really means for the American squad's hopes of joining the grid, and explain the extremely tricky next step in Andretti's bid: “commercial discussions” with F1 and the teams. And finally, Edd, Mark and Ben look ahead to this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix - an event at which Max Verstappen could be crowned world champion for a third time.