Las Vegas GP: Formula 1 in fresh talks for new 11th F1 team backed by General Motors
22 November 2024, 08:41 | Updated: 22 November 2024, 09:28
Formula 1 are in fresh talks for a new 11th team on the grid in 2026.
The General Motors-backed entry, which was started by Michael Andretti, had their bid rejected by F1 earlier this year to join the grid.
However, Sky Sports News understands Andretti's departure from the motorsport team has changed the picture as the outfit would now be a General Motors entry, led by businessman Dan Towriss - the majority shareholder of Andretti Global.
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General Motors are willing to contribute significantly to the new entry, which has opened up new talks in Las Vegas, with the strong likelihood of an entry in 2026.
Towriss and General Motors representatives are holding talks with F1 at this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The majority of F1's existing teams had previously publicly opposed the expansion of the grid on commercial grounds, arguing that an 11th team would not bring sufficient added value and revenue to the sport to negate the loss of income, with the prize pot being split 11 ways instead of 10.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was asked on Friday about the fresh prospect of an 11th team in F1, saying: "We have an obligation, a statutory obligation as directors, to present the standpoint that is the best for our company and for our employees, and we've done that in the past.
"I think if a team can add to the championship, particularly if GM decides to come in as a team owner, that is a different story. And as long as it is creative, that means we're growing the popularity of the sport, we're growing the revenue of the sport, then no team will be ever against it. So I'm putting my hope in there.
"No one from Andretti or Andretti Global or whatever the name will be has ever spoken to me a single sentence in presentation of what the creative part is. But they don't need to because the teams don't decide.
"It is the commercial rights holder, with the FIA. We have no say. We can have an opinion, like I'm having here now, it's just if I want to be invited to a party and going to the party, I'm sitting down on the table and telling who I am and why I'm really good fun and sitting here and everybody will enjoy my presence.
"That hasn't happened but that's now my personal point of view - not a professional, because there's nothing we can do, nothing we can say.
"And I don't know the people. I've obviously spoken to Mario [Andrett]. Yeah, I've spoken to Mario once. I didn't speak to his son. I didn't speak to any other people that are behind that. I don't know who they are. So I know GM. GM is great."
Sky Sports F1's live Las Vegas GP schedule
Saturday November 23
2.15am: Las Vegas GP Practice Three*
5am: Las Vegas GP Qualifying build-up*
6am: LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
8am: Ted's Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday November 24
4.30am: Grand Prix Sunday: Las Vegas GP build-up*
6am: THE LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX*
8am: Chequered Flag: Las Vegas GP reaction*
9am: Ted's Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 returns with the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1 where Max Verstappen could seal the championship. Stream the final three F1 races and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership - No contract, cancel anytime
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