Haas team principal Guenther Steiner isn’t concerned that new prospective F1 teams could leak aerodynamic data to some of the current sides on the grid, as the FIA’s expression of interest deadline approaches.
It’s been reported that some of the prospective teams are already carrying out wind tunnel tests; however, it’s believed that to do so, they’re using wind tunnels owned by currents teams.
As a result, there are some concerns that the data could leak to the team that owns it, giving them an advantage.
With only two garages available on the grid, it does look like F1 will see 12 teams on the grid from 2026, even though, new sides can join from as soon as 2025.
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With the new engine regulations coming into effect in 2026, it’s unlikely that a new team will choose 2025 as their debut campaign, in order to fully focus on the regs.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has heard that “three or four teams” are set to inform the governing body that they want to join the grid in the coming days, as the April 30 deadline approaches.
“I’d love to see the grid expand with the right terms and conditions,” Brown told the Washington Post.
Andretti-Cadillac are by far the side most likely to join the pinnacle of motorsport given both their racing history and their infrastructure, which would give any current team a run for their money.
The fact that some teams are supposedly already doing wind tunnel testing shows how seriously they are taking the F1 entry process, in a bid to be as prepared as possible should they be granted a garage.
Steiner isn’t overly concerned, though, by the wind tunnel rumours, with the Haas boss admitting that “they’re allowed to do it”.
“It’s clearly rumours,” Steiner said. “I have no facts if they’re doing it or not.
“But if the rules are like this, I think they are free to do that. I mean, we cannot say you’re not allowed to do something if you’re not even part of Formula 1.
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“If you’re not part of F1, it doesn’t mean you will be part of it, so you’re taking a risk. So, I have no big opinion about that. By the rules, they’re allowed to do it.”
He also isn’t worried about any potential leaks to the owners of the wind tunnel, with Steiner adding that the FIA will “keep a close eye” on any testing being completed.
“The FIA keeps a close eye on that one, so I’m not too concerned,” Steiner insisted. “We hear the rumours, the FIA hears the rumours and I’m sure they are going to check now.”