Verstappen and Hamilton agree: 'Addition Andretti offers opportunities'

Andretti-Cadillac is still the only contender to appear on the F1 grid as a new team from 2026. The FIA granted the aspiring team an F1 licence, marking an important step. F1 drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are positive about the possible arrival of the eleventh team and see opportunities.

Hamilton and Verstappen see opportunity in Andretti-Cadillac arrival

On the Thursday before the Qatar Grand Prix, a new team offers opportunities for new drivers, according to the two. Verstappen does say he thinks this from his own perspective as a driver. Speaking to GPblog.com and other media, the Dutchman said of Andretti: "That's always very hard to comment on that because I speak from the driver's side, but of course I'm not a team owner, so I can understand their side."

Verstappen continued: "Everything I've seen so far, plus I think the partners they have and the name, they have shown that they are a professional team, so it would be nice because it gives more opportunities for the driver's side. But I can understand from the team side they don't want it." Verstappen expects it will be a difficult decision, but if it is up to rival Hamilton, it need not be so difficult. The Briton sounds positive.

Racer.com quotes the Mercedes driver: "Yeah, I think it’s great. I’ve always felt there wasn’t enough cars on the grid. While there’s definitely people that won’t be happy for me to be supportive of it, I think it’s great. It’s an opportunity for more jobs, it’s another two seats available for a female driver to come through. It opens up more possibilities, and I think it would be more exciting for the race."