Brown not against extra F1 teams but on one condition

The FIA is keen to add an 11th and 12th team to Formula 1 and launched an application round a few months ago. Several applicants applied and submitted a plan of action. The governing body will evaluate which entries are most likely to succeed. Still, not all the racing stables in motorsport's top class are convinced yet. Zak Brown was asked about his position in Miami.

Many teams fear that extra teams in Formula 1 means less revenue. This is because the pie will not necessarily get bigger, but more pieces will have to be cut out. As a result, people are very wary and Andretti, for example, has noticed this. McLaren CEO Brown, welcomes additional teams, but on one important condition.

New F1 team must add something

Indeed, he argues that any team that joins must have a real chance of success and not disappear from the scene of competition within two years. "As long as they are additive to our sport, I'd love to see more cars on the grid. I think it's exciting. I remember when I started following Formula One, you had pre-qualifying. I think there was 30, 31 cars trying to show up to make the show," the American recalled in the press conference.

Brown continued: "So I think an increase in the grid of the right teams that bring the right resources and are additive to what we're all trying to do and help grow the sport, then I'm all for it. What we can't have is really the only credible, sustainable team that I've seen in the last decade is Haas. And so what we do need to make sure is if someone enters, that they really have the commitment and can do what it takes."

Guarding against underestimation

Indeed, McLaren wants to avoid having teams similar to Caterham, HRT and Manor in Formula 1. These teams drove stiffly at the back, always had money problems, and the curtain fell quickly for them each time. "I think in a variety of motorsports, you do see a lot of dreamers. And what we don't need with the health of the sport is a team coming, underestimating what it's going to take. And two years later, they're gone."

Brown then also complimented Haas F1 for their commitment to the sport. The McLaren boss argues that top-tier motorsport needs more teams like that. Haas F1 made its debut in 2016 and already had its best season in 2018. Then, the US formation finished a handsome fifth in the constructors' championship.