McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has called for only “credible” Formula 1 entries to be allowed to join the sport from 2025, with the American not wanting to see “dreamers” given a spot on the grid.
F1 hasn’t seen a new team join the paddock since Haas were introduced in 2016, with the American outfit having since asserted themselves as a respectable midfield team.
Possibly two new entries are set to join the F1 family, though, with the FIA having launched an ‘expression of interest’ process back in February, where prospective F1 teams can file their intent on joining the pinnacle of motorsport.
A decision by the FIA is expected to be made by June 30 this year, after the teams had until April 30 to submit all the required documents.
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Andretti-Cadillac are arguably the most likely entry to be accepted by the FIA, with the all-American entry having been working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to ensure that they are ready to join the championship in 2025.
The side have even received public support from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who took to social media recently to praise the entry.
Unlike the majority of the paddock and seemingly the sport itself, Brown is in favour of new teams joining the championship, with the McLaren CEO believing that it’d “grow the sport”.
“I’d love to see more cars on the grid, as long as they are additive to our sport,” said Brown, as reported by F1i.com.
“I think it’s exciting. I remember when I started following Formula 1, you had pre-qualifying, I think there were 30-31 cars trying to show up to make the show.
“So I think an increase in the grid of the right teams that bring the right resources and are additive to what we’re all trying to do and help grow the sport then I’m all for it.”
Other than Andretti, little has been said about the other proposed entries, with Brown therefore being wary that only “credible” entries should be considered, with “dreamers” not being what the sport needs.
“What we can’t have is… Really the only credible, sustainable team that I’ve seen in the last decade is Haas,” continued Brown.
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“So what we do need to make sure is if someone enters that they really have the commitment and can do what it takes.
“Because in my experience, I think in a variety of motorsports, you do see a lot of dreamers and what we don’t need with the health of the sport is a team coming in underestimating what it’s going to take and two years later, they’re gone.
“Hats off to Haas for the commitment they’ve made and continue to make to the sport, so we need more teams like that.”