As the argument around the potential entry of Andretti in F1 rages on, the American team received a major boost in the hopes of seeing the dream come true. To receive backing from any team on the grid is a big deal, and when the support comes from one of the biggest teams in the history of the sport is something much more. Such is the case with Andretti Autosport as Scuderia Ferrari emerges as a potential supporter for the entry of a new team on the grid.
Should Andretti’s dream become a reality, the newest team on the grid might pair up with one of the oldest and create a unique political clout within the sport. With sister teams and inter-team linkings being a critical part of the sport, it would be great for the two teams to form an axis that would see them have each other’s backs in the off-track shenanigans of the sport.
Andretti partnership could see Ferrari become a political powerhouse in F1
Earlier in August, news came of Michael Andretti meeting with Renault CEO Luca de Meo. Reports suggested the meeting could have been about the French manufacturer becoming the engine supplier to Andretti’s team once they make their F1 entry. As such, Renault might be under obligation to provide engines to Andretti in 2025 before the engine regulations change.
According to a report by Formu1a.uno, Red Bull could also become the latest team’s engine suppliers once they start producing their powertrains in 2026. However, according to Christian Horner’s statements, they will initially only supply engines to Red Bull and AlphaTauri, and upon successful reviews after a season or two, they will think about accommodating up to three more teams for the same.
Throughout the window of the American team becoming a part of F1, Ferrari has taken a neutral stance, but chances are they, too, might be interested in becoming a supplier to another team. The Prancing Horse once had the final say in most matters despite not having enough votes. However, should Andretti become their customer, the American team will have no choice but to support Ferrari. As such, the political sway of Ferrari will greatly increase, and in the case of a 5-5 deadlock, the 6th vote would become the decider.
Positive signs for Andretti’s entry despite financial woes of other teams
In the early days of October, the FIA gave its approval for Andretti to become the 11th team on the grid. The authority has now passed the application onto the sport’s commercial rights holders for final approval, which would make Andretti an official part of F1. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the current President of FIA, has been a firm supporter of the team’s ambitions and wants the sport to have more teams and fewer races.
“There will definitely be people that won’t be happy for me to be so supportive of it!” 🗣️
Lewis Hamilton has come out in support of Michael Andretti’s potential #F1 entry ⬇️https://t.co/S707KEyM0S
— Autosport (@autosport) October 5, 2023
However, F1 supremo Stefano Domenicalli believes otherwise. Hence, it remains to be seen what the Formula One Group decides. Apart from Domenicalli’s resistance, most of the teams on the grid are also against the idea of an 11th team coming to the grid, as it will see their earnings go down. Per the latest Concorde Agreement, each team earns $20 million at the end of each season. A new team on the grid would see the amount go down by $5 to $10 million after F1 confirmed they will not be increasing the money. Amidst the chaos, Andretti has confirmed they will not opt for legal proceedings as they want to enter the sport in a friendly environment as they know good relations are key to the political aspect of the sport.
