The FIA has accepted Andretti’s new staff bid after ruling it to be financially steady, in a position to obtain sustainability targets and use the F1 platform to contribute positively to society.
Mercedes driver Hamilton initially seemed to be in favour of Andretti, saying on Thursday forward of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix that it was “nice” and would supply extra jobs.
However the present 10 groups are sceptical a couple of new entry destabilizing F1 and taking away from their business earnings. Andretti should now search rights holder FOM approval if its entry is to progress any additional.
Later, Hamilton appeared to step down from his Andretti assist. He wrote on social media: “Nope, do not assist Andretti. Simply the concept of one other staff in future if it is an opportunity to make our sport extra various.”
Pole man Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, within the submit Qualifying Press Convention
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photos
Requested by Motorsport.com to make clear his stance, the seven-time world champion leaned extra in the direction of the great than any eleventh staff may supply the sequence.
However Hamilton added that the FIA’s new staff entry standards have to be amended if F1 was going to diversify the make-up of its staff homeowners and all-male driver line-up.
He stated: “Firstly, it wasn’t that I assist Andretti. I feel from a driver’s perspective, it is thrilling to doubtlessly see extra vehicles.
“After which, the concept of an eleventh staff, we’ve over 2000 folks in our staff in order that’s an enormous quantity of jobs.
“However we’ve to guarantee that the standards, which is kind of strict, is absolutely revered.
“I really feel like we have to amend the standards really and guarantee that there’s a chance for actual affect, actually ensuring that if there’s a new staff, they need to be various.”
Jamie Chadwick
Photograph by: Indy Lights
Rodin Vehicles was one other bidder trying to affix the F1 grid however was in the end rejected by the FIA. Founder David Dicker has stated he would have put three-time W Collection champion Jamie Chadwick within the automobile.
Hamilton continued: “They need to maybe create a chance for a feminine driver to return by way of. And it must be various from the highest.
“In the meanwhile, it is all white homeowners. There’s an actual lack of variety from the highest down.
“[It’s] all male and that should change. That is my thought.”
Nonetheless, Hamilton added that he absolutely backed F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, saying nobody is healthier outfitted to steer the championship in its pending Andretti verdict.
“I actually do have 100% religion in Stefano, who I’ve recognized for an extended, very long time,” stated Hamilton.
“What he is doing on the high, there isn’t any one that may do a greater job than him. I do know that he’ll make the proper choice shifting ahead.
“He is a racer and he is passionate concerning the progress of the game. So, pleased to depart it in his succesful fingers.”