Whiting doubts F1 will allow third cars

FIA race director Charlie Whiting believes that it is unlikely Formula One will allow a third car for teams, but does back the idea.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has already admitted that he wants to bring up the subject in Wednesday's F1 Strategy Group meeting.

Third car entries have been refused in the past and the main reason is because midfield teams are against the top teams having an extra entry.

"My personal view is that it would be nice to have a few more cars," FIA's race director said to Autosport. "But honestly, I think it's very unlikely.

"It's fairly simple. The argument against it is if you've got a dominant team with three cars, then everyone's fighting over fourth and not a podium place.

"If you've got three dominant teams with three cars, then you're fighting over 10th. I can understand why everyone would baulk at that.

"It would be nice to have a few more teams capable of winning of course, but this year it's more competitive than it's been since the beginning of this engine era.

"Equally, if you have a more evenly competitive field, (three cars) is a good economic model as far as one can see.

"This is why GP3 teams have always had three cars. For next year's (FIA Internation) F3 the plan is 10 teams with three cars each, because it's a good business model, because it enables the third car price to be lower. I would think that would work in F1 as well."