McLaren Chief Executive Zak Brown has expressed support for Andretti-Cadillac’s pursuit of an entry into Formula 1, asserting that an 11th team on the grid could bring enrichment to the sport on multiple fronts.
Despite facing strong opposition from commercial rights holders Liberty Media and several existing teams, Andretti received approval from the FIA in October and remains optimistic about securing a spot in Formula 1. In their latest attempt to sway F1 stakeholders, Andretti’s partners Cadillac have unveiled plans to become an engine supplier starting from the 2028 season.
Brown’s endorsement of Andretti-Cadillac’s efforts highlights the potential positive impact an additional team could have on Formula 1, emphasizing the value of diversity and competition in enhancing the overall experience for fans and participants alike. The ongoing developments add an intriguing layer to the ever-evolving landscape of Formula 1.
Andretti-Cadillac receive support from McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown
While many current teams express concern that the addition of an 11th team could diminish their share of F1’s revenue, Zak Brown, notable for partnering with Andretti to facilitate McLaren driver Fernando Alonso’s debut at the 2017 Indianapolis 500, is optimistic that Andretti’s arrival could contribute to the sport’s expansion. Despite this optimism, the McLaren boss acknowledged that few existing team principals possess a clear understanding of the specifics behind Andretti’s proposal.
“That pie can be fans, first and foremost; that can be television revenue; that could be increased exposure in a certain market that helps to bring in more sponsors; excitement on the racetrack.
“The downside is if the pie doesn’t get larger, and then you’re just divvying up the same-sized pie, and that’s where I think the majority of the the teams are.
“I think all of us are not that informed on what the actual proposal is, so everyone is running around with an opinion. I’ve not seen specifically what’s on the table.
“My view is as long as it’s additive to the sport – brings in more fans, brings in more revenue, brings in better television contracts, whatever that may be – if it makes the pie larger I’d rather have one 11th of a pie that’s 1,000 times than one tenth of one that’s 100 times.
“But ultimately the teams don’t have a vote in the matter, so we just need to be dependent upon Formula 1 and the FIA to make that decision as to whether they feel it’s additive.
“I think everyone has an opinion, but not anyone is that educated on actually what the proposition is.”
Zak Brown’s remarks follow statements by F1 business expert Mark Gallagher, who asserted that certain current F1 teams perceive themselves as being pressured into accommodating an 11th team, ultimately surrendering a share of their prize money to Andretti.
Gallagher further indicated that the approach taken by Andretti to secure an F1 entry has generated a “degree of personal acrimony” with the existing teams. He cautioned that if the American outfit faces rejection, it could potentially lead to a legal battle in the future.
