Domenicali against an expansion of the number of teams in F1

Andretti clearly expressed his frustration with the apparent slowness of progress regarding his attempt to join Formula 1 with a brand-new team, after failing in his efforts to buy the Sauber organization.

Domenicali suggested that he was satisfied with the current number of 10 teams, adding that the arrival of a new entrant was not necessary to add value to the sport. He also pointed out that, along with Andretti, other parties have shown interest in entering, but have thus far kept a lower profile.

An input evaluation process is underway, but no details have been published on its progress or the timetable for a decision, which will ultimately be made by the FIA under the leadership of its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

« As I have always said, I do not believe that having more teams will bring more value to the championship. But there is a protocol that must be respected. And everyone, including Andretti, is following that. So, that’s the situation today. I don’t see any changes. And I don’t want to say yes or no. » Domenicali replied when Motorsport.com asked him about the status of Andretti’s entry offer.

Toto Wolff’s opinion

Asked in Hungary about Andretti’s plans, the Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, suggested that it would be more favorable if a new manufacturer considered entering a factory team, claiming that it would add more to the sport than the name of Andretti.

Subsequently, Michael Andretti’s father, Mario, suggested on social media that Wolff had too much influence in the sport. When asked about the comments made by the elder Andretti, Domenicali defended Wolff.

“Well, I believe Toto holds an important position as a team principal,” Domenicali stated. “He owns 30% of Mercedes, and he has the reputation of winning eight consecutive titles. He is someone who is very credible within the paddock.”

Eyes already fixed on 2026?

Regarding the suggestion that a manufacturer could enter F1 with a new team, he declared: « Today, we are talking about the new regulations, 2026. And all the manufacturers involved in this, the current ones or maybe the new ones that we will see, say that time is passing very quickly, with four years to imagine completely new power units. »

« We must be cautious because when we talk about F1, we need an entity or a team or a manufacturer that is truly solid, truly strong, and fully committed to an incredible long-term future.

» Stefano Domenicali added that external interest is rather good for existing teams, thereby increasing the value of their racing team.

While Andretti struggles to secure his place in Formula 1, other manufacturers have managed to obtain an entry ticket. This is the case for Audi, which is reportedly on the verge of becoming a partner of Sauber. Admittedly, they won’t have teams under their own name, but they will indeed be present in the Formula 1 landscape. On Red Bull’s side, the Austrian team is expected to ally with Porsche for the 2026 season. Of course, nothing is official yet, but these are the worst-kept secrets of the paddock.