Guenther Steiner defends F1 over rejection of “too ambitious” Andretti-Cadillac plan
Former Haas boss Gunther Steiner was one of the first high-profile figures in the F1 world to react to the news that Andretti-Cadillac’s bid to form a new team had been rejected.
Gunter Steiner believes Andretti-Cadillac’s plans for Formula 1 were “too ambitious”.
The project, led by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, is expected to enter the sport in 2025 or 2026, if approved. Sporting chiefs rejected that time frame but left open the opportunity to revisit the idea until 2028.
In a lengthy statement, F1 executives specifically criticized the direct nature of the Andretti-Cadillac plan. “We see no reason to accept new entrants in 2025. Because that means the new entrant will build two completely different cars in the first two years of existence.
“That the petitioners are proposing this gives reason to question their understanding of the magnitude of the problem. . . .” Based on this, we do not believe the applicant will be a competitive applicant.”
In an interview with ESPN, Steiner agreed that the new team is unlikely to be successful if it takes the field as early as planned. “I think they looked at him and thought he was too ambitious,” said the former Haas team boss. “I don’t have all the information. Maybe they look at it and say, “We want them, but we want to make sure they’re successful when they come.” “I think F1 is protecting every team, everyone involved in the sport. They haven’t closed the door completely. They’re saying, ’28 is a new day, it’s a new year, it’s going to be a few more years. I said, not tomorrow, the door is Open. “I think until then, if you show you’re ready and can be competitive, we’ll welcome them.”
