Andretti F1 bid sparks debate amid 'political storm' prediction

Andretti F1: Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen welcomes American team's entry bid as drivers have their say "There'll definitely be people that won't be happy for me to be so supportive of it, but I think it's great," says Lewis Hamilton; Sky F1's Karun Chandhok suspects there could be "impasse" on the matter; Watch the Qatar GP this weekend live on Sky Sports F1 Last Updated: 05/10/23 11:03pm Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player The drivers have their say on the prospect of the Andretti team gaining entry to the sport, after the FIA approved the American outfit's bid to join. The drivers have their say on the prospect of the Andretti team gaining entry to the sport, after the FIA approved the American outfit's bid to join. Formula 1's drivers have had their say on the prospective entry of Andretti into the sport, with Lewis Hamilton believing their arrival would be "great". Andretti this week cleared one crucial hurdle in their attempt to join the grid in a future season after their application to become a new 11th team was approved by the FIA, with their case now referred to Formula 1 for commercial discussions.But while they may have received the green light from the sport's governing body, the impending financial talks with F1's commercial rights holder are set to prove the real make or break aspect of the American outfit's bid given the apparent position of the existing 10 teams and sport itself about the need for a new entrant. The sport's collective reaction to Andretti's bid can be described as indifferent - at best - since it was first announced at the start of the year.A number of teams have argued that the regulated $200m anti-dilution fee payable by any new entrant is no longer high enough given the sport's growth in recent seasons, and F1 itself stressing that any new outfit has to bring clear added value to the championship to be worthy of consideration. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Aston Martin CEO, Lawrence Stroll says he is against Andretti joining Formula One, insisting the sport is 'on fire' with its current ten teams. Aston Martin CEO, Lawrence Stroll says he is against Andretti joining Formula One, insisting the sport is 'on fire' with its current ten teams. And Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll made his opposition clear in an interview with Sky Sports on Wednesday when he stated: "I believe if it isn't broken, you don't need to fix it."With the matter set to be a big talking point over the Qatar GP weekend and in the months to come while F1 make their deliberations, drivers were asked for their respective takes during Thursday's press briefings."I think it's great. I think Formula 1, I've always felt that there weren't enough cars on the grid," Hamilton told reporters at the Losail International Circuit."There'll definitely be people that won't be happy for me to be so supportive of it, but I think it's great."It's an opportunity for more jobs, it's another two seats available for a potential female driver to come through."It opens up more possibilities and I think it will be more exciting." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player David Croft and Craig Slater discuss Andretti's application to join the F1 grid and why they will need to convince the current 10 teams that they should have a spot. David Croft and Craig Slater discuss Andretti's application to join the F1 grid and why they will need to convince the current 10 teams that they should have a spot. World champion Max Verstappen said he would also like to see the famous Andretti name back in F1, but stressed that matter was for the sport's powerbrokers to decide upon."It's always very hard for me to comment on these kind of things because I'm not a team owner, I'm a racing driver," said the Red Bull driver."Of course in terms of competition it would probably be a nice thing."That's why it's very hard to understand, from what I've seen and heard it looks very professional and they want to come in and of course with the Andretti name they are a big name."They already have achieved a lot in motorsport so I would definitely like to see them here but it's not up to me to decide these kind of things. It's the FIA, the teams, F1 altogether they have to make that call. They know the situation best and they will make the decisions." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Max Verstappen admits he could never have envisaged joining some of the greats of the sport by winning three world titles. Max Verstappen admits he could never have envisaged joining some of the greats of the sport by winning three world titles. 'Quality over quantity' - Russell | Alonso will back Aston stanceMercedes' George Russell, who also serves as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, suggested any