Dutch team's owners want to enter Formula 1, but patience seems necessary

Otmar Szafnauer, VAR’s new Managing Partner, revealed during an exclusive interview with GPblog who is behind the efforts to establish a twelfth team in Formula 1. In addition to himself, it turns out to be Rafael Villagómez Sr., a Mexican businessman, who holds a majority stake in VAR.

As soon as the opportunity arises, they want to be ready to submit an application for entry immediately. That will require patience, GPblog understands. Asked about the potential entry of this prospective twelfth team, the motorsport federation stated: "At the moment, there is no expression of interest process formally opened for a new F1 team between the FIA and F1."

It is unclear when such a process will open, and the FIA and Formula 1 are likely to think long and hard before launching a new application round. Given the difficulties encountered in getting Cadillac onto the grid as a new team, there is no expectation that such a process will be initiated in the foreseeable future.

Still, when the moment comes, the owners of VAR want to be ready. They are aware that it could indeed take many more years, but the hope of securing the twelfth spot on the F1 grid is very much alive.