Wolff recognizes Andretti's alliance with Cadillac as a positive

If there is one subject that almost all the teams on the grid agree on, F1, this is indeed the case Andretti. Since the American team shouted out loud that it was aiming to reach the premier category in the coming years, the bosses of the structures already present on the grid have almost all had the same reaction. In two words: Andretti is an important and prestigious name, but the opening of the grid to an 11th F1 team implies a new sharing of wealth which could at best reduce the revenue of some (notably the big teams), at worst weaken the structures of others. And this despite the presence of the dilution fund of 200 million dollars, which a new entrant must pay in accordance with the requirements of the Concorde Agreements. 

On the sidelines of a press point shared with his former strategist but future colleague James Vowles, who has just joined the position of team principal at Williams, Toto wolff brought up the subject again. The Austrian has often been the most vocal on the issue among the team bosses, never completely closing the door on Michael Andretti, but urging him to prove with facts and figures that the arrival of his team will benefit , or failing that it will not cost the stables already in place.

Toto Wolff: “A clear declaration of interest”

Two weeks after the official opening by the FIA ​​of a expression of interest for structures wishing to join the grid and after the announcement of the Cadillac-Andretti partnership in the event of arrival in F1, the debate on the arrival of the team led by the son of the 1 F1978 world champion is more than ever RELAUNCH. Especially since Michael, after having already denounced the selfishness of “European club” what would have become of the members of F1 in GQ last July, he put on a diaper last week at Forbes to say much the same thing.

Asked about Andretti's alliance with Cadillac, Toto Wolff softened his speech somewhat. “Cadillac and GM, it’s a clear declaration of intent”, he openly admitted. “Certainly the fact that they are joining forces with Andretti is a positive thing. It gives a new angle, which may or may not be beneficial to Formula 1, but certainly, no one will ever question the history of GM or Cadillac in motorsport, as well as as a global automobile company. »

Toto Wolff remains reserved on the arrival of Andretti. © DPPI

The boss of Mercedes did not really go any further in his reflection. Unlike James Vowles who, failing to speak on behalf of Williams, whom he will only officially join on February 20, explained in a few words and in his name why the arrival of the American ticket remained a thorny case. “We are always open to the growth of Formula 1, but the truth behind that is that it needs to become more and more efficient financially.”

“Anyone who joins this environment must do so by bringing with them the necessary growth so that everyone ends up in a better situation, or at least in an equivalent situation. And I think that's what's been said all along. There are a lot of great things about Andretti and Cadillac, there just needs to be a good understanding of how this will grow F1, and to what extent. » As a reminder, the declaration of interest process has been launched, and the rest of the events will follow a precise timetable which has not yet been revealed by the FIA. 

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