Karun Chandhok believes adding another team to Formula 1 through Andretti Autosport would be “fantastic” for the sport.
Michael Andretti has made no secret of his desire to enter Formula 1, havinginitially tried to take over Alfa Romeoand made contact about potentially acquiringHaas– but neither materialised.
He has since turned his attention to setting up his own operation, hinting that he would have an agreement in place for a site for a factory in the UK, as well as a potential power unit deal with Renault.
Opinion in the paddock has been split about whether or not they would allow him to enter, with Christian Horner voicing potential support for the move due to Andretti being a “powerful” name within motorsport, whileMercedesteam principal Toto Wolff thinks it will take approximately $1 billion of investment for him to enter a team and be competitive from the off.
Race cars +@IMS=#AllAndretti/@IndyLightspic.twitter.com/E9SR7BMfOl
— Andretti Autosport / #AllAndretti (@FollowAndretti)April 5, 2022
But former F1 driver turned Sky Sports pundit Chandhok is very much for adding another team to the grid, particularly another American name, given the headway the sport is now making into becoming a lasting success in the States.
“Michael has made his intentions very clear: he wants to get into Formula 1,” Chandhok told reporters, including the Dutch edition ofMotorsport.com.
“I personally think it would be fantastic to see Michael Andretti and his Andretti Autosport in Formula 1. It’s a great name to be able to associate yourself with as a sport.
“I know Michael and his father Mario a little bit. People with a greater passion for motorsport than them don’t exist.
“In addition, I think it would be good for Formula 1 to have another American team in it.
“However, I know that there are several hurdles to overcome in order to enter Formula 1 with a new team. The other teams have to want it, there has to be $200 million on the table and there are many other hurdles that make it difficult for a new player to enter. But I would like to see more cars on the grid.”
Andretti hopes to become Formula 1’s newest team in time for the 2024 season, but the viability of such a move is yet to be decided.