The FIA introduced this week that the Andretti project had passed the first two phases of the entry course of, having been authorized by the governing physique.
The matter now passes to F1 for a industrial dialogue, which is able to revolve largely across the potential impression on the funds of the ten present groups.
MORE: How the FIA went from seven F1 new team bids to Andretti
Some drivers have been cautious of exhibiting public help for the Cadillac-backed Andretti undertaking given the opposition expressed by present staff bosses, and even Hamilton acknowledged that his views may not be fashionable within the paddock.
“I feel it is nice,” he mentioned when requested by Autosport in regards to the prospect of an Andretti staff. “I feel in F1 I’ve all the time felt that there weren’t sufficient vehicles on the grid.
“There will certainly be folks that will not be completely satisfied for me to be so supportive of it! However I feel it is nice.
“It is a chance for extra jobs, there’s one other two seats out there for a possible feminine driver to come back by means of. It opens up extra prospects, and I feel it’s going to be extra thrilling for the race.”
Max Verstappen was additionally Positive, whereas noting that groups have a special tackle the topic in comparison with drivers.
“That’s the reason it is extremely arduous to touch upon that as a result of I converse from the drivers’ aspect,” mentioned the Dutchman.
Michael Andretti, Group principal Andretti Autosport
Photograph by: Andreas Beil
“After all I’m not a staff proprietor, however I can perceive their aspect. However every part I’ve seen thus far, plus I feel the companions they’ve, and the identify, they’ve proven that they’re knowledgeable staff, so it could be I feel good as a result of it provides extra alternatives for the drivers’ aspect.
“However I can perceive it from the groups’ aspect that they do not need it. So it’s a difficult one, a troublesome one.
“On the finish of the day the FIA, the groups and naturally the FOM, they’ve extra details about how critical every part is and the way properly every part is ready. That’s the reason it’s not going to be a straightforward resolution to make.”
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Fernando Alonso, who drove for Andretti within the 2017 Indy 500, mentioned he would help his Aston Martin staff’s view on the matter.
“An incredible staff, I do know Michael and it will likely be clearly a terrific identify so as to add to F1,” he mentioned. “However there are different folks in control of these sorts of selections, and first FIA, after which FOM and the groups as properly.
“I do not know precisely what to say. No matter is the ultimate resolution goes to be okay. I like Michael, I just like the organisation. However I additionally perceive different issues, and I’ll help as properly no matter Aston Martin place is, and I can be okay with something.”
Valtteri Bottas had no qualms about backing the addition of two vehicles to the grid.
“For me very clear that the game can be higher if there have been extra vehicles,” mentioned the Finn. “I bear in mind watching as a child, when you’ve gotten an even bigger grid there’s extra leisure, and extra alternatives for younger drivers as properly.
“So for me, it is for positive the extra groups the higher. Like, I feel the higher restrict can be in all probability like, I do not know, 30 or one thing? However we’re removed from that. So for me, it could be very welcome. However I do know the explanation why there is a little bit of pushback.”