The head of Liberty Media gives hope to the Andretti-Cadillac offer
Since the Andretti-Cadillac candidacy to become the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid, the leaders, especially those of the teams, do not seem favorable to the arrival of an additional team. However, Greg Maffei, head of Liberty Media, seems to have hope.
The CEO of Liberty Media, the American company that owns Formula 1, expressed his desire to see Andretti-Cadillac enter Formula 1 in the Walker and Dunlop podcast. However, even though he appears to be giving positive signals, he explains that the arrival of an additional team is not easy, both in terms of finances and logistics, as well as finding space in the paddocks.
The square, a real concern
In tight circuits, especially in urban areas, it would be difficult to find space for an 11th team. In Monaco, for example, it seems complicated to have an 11th garage in the pit lane due to the lack of space. The real problem is how the structure works today, there are probably four or five garages, paddock areas where it would be difficult to add an eleventh spot, said Greg Maffei.
(He) Maybe this can be solved with money and time. But it’s not something you solve by snapping your fingers, (he) explained.
But however, modifications have already been made in the United States in anticipation of the entry of an 11th team in the future. « We have adapted and it will not be a problem in Las Vegas » said Maffei. Indeed, the Las Vegas paddock has been designed to accommodate more than 10 teams.
Money, another problem
The arrival of an 11th team on the grid would mean dividing the teams’ revenues into 11 instead of 10. In a discipline where expenses and revenues are increasingly controlled, team bosses do not want to see an 11th team disrupt this process. There would also be less money at stake. “Dividing into 11 is not something that particularly excites them,” stated Greg Maffei regarding the teams.
Rumors seem to suggest that one possible solution could be to increase the “new team fees,” but the other teams would still not be satisfied.
General Motors and Cadillac could be of crucial importance
Andretti’s candidacy is supported and it is precisely this that could give a significant advantage for an entry into Formula 1. I think we are lucky to have so many suppliers today – more than we have ever had. But having more suppliers, especially an American one, would certainly be a good thing,” explained the Liberty Media boss.
Greg Maffei concluded, “I think there are reasons to believe that this could happen.”
