The takeover of Formula 1 by Liberty Media and the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’ have been a couple of the major factors that have seen the popularity of Formula 1 increase.
The sport has become a major hit in the USA, after previously being overshadowed by IndyCar and NASCAR, while the growth of the sport in the Middle East has led to Saudi Arabi launching a ten-year motorsport project.
The calendar for 2023 will feature a record high of 23 races over the course of the year, one less than originally planned after the Chinese Grand Prix was once again cancelled due to Covid.
There have also been rumours that a new team could join the grid, with Andretti-Cadillac pushing hard to become the 11th team in the paddock.
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The ideas of expanding the grid and race calendar are being entertained by the FIA, with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem calling for fans to be excited about the potentially addition of Andretti-Cadillac.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has now warned F1 about oversaturation, claiming that while growth in the sport’s popularity is good, it could easily go the other way.
“One should never believe that a trend will continue indefinitely,” he told Auto Motor und Sport.
“That depends on how much entertainment we offer further down the track. Which personalities in Formula 1 grow up that trigger sympathies or polarise. Both are good.
“At the same time, we must not make the mistake of oversaturation. But these are all subjects we are considering.
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“What remains for me as a sceptic: We should always remain cautious. Formula 1 is doing very well at the moment. It can always become better. But it can also happen that the audience’s interest subsides if we don’t entertain well enough.”
The will of Ben Sulayem to expand the F1 grid has caused tension in the sport, as F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said on multiple occasions that an 11th team will not be added.
It is worth nothing that if Andretti-Cadillac are to enter the sport in the future, both the FIA and F1 will have to agree, rather than just one party making the decision.