Tost says ‘no’ to Andretti entry unless conditions met

AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost is sceptical about a potential new Andretti team entry into the sport but will agree if certain conditions are met.

Mario Andretti set social media ablaze in February with abrief tweetexplaining that his son, Michael, is already in the process of getting a new team into F1. Their aim is to get an Andretti Global entry onto the grid for the 2024 season.

Andretti had hoped to get into F1 by purchasing the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo team, however the deal fell through at the eleventh hour and as such, the US motorsports giants laid plans to set up a brand new outfit.

The project looks to be gathering pace, with Andretti confirming that there are already“key individuals” in place, as well as areported Renault engine dealprimed to power their cars.

Michael has applied to the FIA to field a new F1 team starting in 2024. His entry, Andretti Global, has the resources and checks every box. He is awaiting the FIA's determination.

— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti)February 18, 2022

However, Tost will only give the green light should the team have all the necessary building blocks in place to be able to compete.

“We have ten very good teams already,” said Tost.

“Ultimately, the decision depends on the FIA and FOM, but if Michael Andretti wants to form a new team, all the ingredients are there and all the teams agree, then yes. Otherwise, no.”

Formula 1 now has a $200m entry fee for new teams to allow the Championship’s stakeholders to assess whether the entry meets the required standard.

However,Mercedes老板手托托沃尔夫说,安德列蒂合影需要closer to $1billion to be competitive in Formula 1.

“Andretti is a [significant] name, for sure, and the American market is important,” said Wolff.

“Every team that is joining needs to add value. It’s not only by paying a $200m entry fee, but it needs to demonstrate in my opinion what it can do for all the other teams and for Formula 1 and the FIA. Only then the sport will grow.

“We are the absolute pinnacle. This is the Champions League or the NFL. And redistributing franchises on the go is not how it should be. It’s not the intention of F1 and the FIA either.

“But if a real brand with good people, necessary funding, not only the $200m but probably you need more, around $1bn if you want to play in this club straight from the get-go, then why not?”