Ex-Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has been left puzzled as to why “there’s a problem” with Andretti’s attempt to enter a new team into Formula 1, with the former Benetton driver believing that it’s “important” for the sport to have another team from across the pond.
America is currently a huge market for Formula 1, with the pinnacle of motorsport having reached new levels in the nation, partially due to the hit Netflix docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’.
To highlight how big the sport has gotten in the United States, the 2023 calendar will feature three races in the country, whilst American manufacturer Ford have announced that they’re returning to the sport in 2026 as a technical partner of Red Bull.
As well as this, Logan Sargeant is set to become the first American driver since Alexander Rossi in 2015, giving the fans a home hero to support.
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A new team run by Andretti and General Motors would further increase the popularity of the sport in the US and would create some American competition in the championship, as Andretti-Cadillac would fight Haas for the top-American side honours.
The entry has even received support from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, yet eight teams on the grid continue to reject Andretti’s bid.
Eight of the teams on the grid are concerned that allowing a new team into the sport would result in the prize fund diluting, given that it’ll be spread amongst 11 teams rather than 10.
Herbert believes the teams on the grid are simply being “greedy” and should be open to Andretti-Cadillac’s entry, given that it’ll allow more drivers on the grid.
“I don’t see why there’s a problem,” Herbert told Total-Motorsport.com.
“When I started we had 26-car grids and it looked brilliant. I liked battling with more cars. It also gives more opportunities to other drivers to be on the grid at the same point.
“There is always talk about teams being greedy and guarding the money pot they get. I get that.
“But for F1, the most important thing is having another team, an American team.”
Andretti also have the added bonus of being one of the most successful teams in motorsport, whilst boasting one of the most famous surnames in the racing world.
Herbert added that Andretti joining F1 would “only add to the drama”, with the majority of fans also knowing who Andretti are.
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“If you know motorsport, you know Andretti,” he continued, “and if you haven’t heard of them, you will never hear about them if you don’t allow them in.
“I hope they come in because it will only add to the drama in F1. There should be that ability to have more cars on the grid.
“There’s always going to be the fastest and the slowest. That will never not be the case. More cars is only a good thing.”