To knock back an American team (the great Andretti name or not) having just made it three races in the States seems a negative to the potentially huge US market
MA SMITH
Short-sighted policy towards new teams
Disappointed. Frustrated. As an F1 fan for 40 years, this closed-door policy by FOM to new teams is in my opinion short-sighted.
I understand that another team would dilute the ‘pot of money’ that the teams rely on and that they feel a new starter hasn’t earned this financial reward, but another team is of course two more seats available for up and coming drivers that the bigger teams might then want to sign up. The racing ladder of F3 and F2, the main feeder series for F1, has become almost surplus to requirements as where will the drivers go? F1 drivers these days sign long-term contracts that limit options for up and coming drivers. The extra seats should be welcomed.
Also, to knock back an American team (the great Andretti name or not) having just made it three races in the States seems a negative to the potentially huge US market. Andretti is in many forms of motorsport worldwide and is successful, so to say that this new team won’t meet the standards required for F1 seems a bit uncharitable. Disappointing and frustrating sums it up.
MA Smith By email
How about putting the fans first?
All I can say is, what a surprise. FOM’s decision to turn down Andretti’s application to enter F1 is typical of an organisation that is totally self-absorbed and insular.
The phrase in FOM’s statement that annoyed me immensely was ‘what value can a new team bring to F1?’ The name Andretti is motorsport royalty. If that can’t add value to F1, good luck anyone else trying to gain an entry. The phrase you should use is what value would a new team add to the fans’ enjoyment of F1? Another team on the grid, especially one with such an iconic name, would make a huge difference to fans’ enjoyment of F1.
We fans want more cars on the grid, more drivers to cheer on. Pull your head out from the clouds, read the reactions on social media, and start putting fans at the forefront of your decisions. You never know, it might be popular.
Michael Skeet Lordswood, Southampton
Massive own goal for grand prix racing
Any business
