Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll insists Formula 1 should stick to a 10-team grid despite the FIA approving Andretti’s bid to become an 11th constructor.
The FIA confirmed earlier this week it had accepted Andretti’s application to enter F1 as early as 2025 after completing its review process for prospective new teams.
But while Andretti is a step closer to joining the grid, the American outfit must now gain the approval of FOM before it can proceed with the project.
Should Andretti be given the green light to enter F1, it would mark the first new team to be accepted under Liberty Media’s reign, but Aston Martin owner Stroll doesn’t see the need to expand the current grid.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Stroll said: “I think F1, at the moment, the business is on fire, the sport has never been in a better place, and I believe if it isn’t broken, you don’t need to fix it.
“So, I’m a strong believer that it’s working really well with 10 teams right now, and believe that’s the way it should stay.”
Andretti’s bid has failed to win over the majority of the existing teams as the addition of a new constructor would mean a further divide in prize money.
Potential new teams have to pay a $200 million dilution fee to join the grid, but teams are pushing to increase this amount to either $400 or $600m.
“There’s never been more fans, spectators at races, the audience is the highest it’s ever been, I continue to see substantial growth, particularly in the United States, which is the largest consumer market in the world,” said Stroll.
“As you know, we now have three races in the States – we’re in our second year in Miami, we’re going to Las Vegas in November.
“So, I see tremendous growth possibilities going forward.”
F1 is expected to assess Andretti’s application over the coming months before it makes a final call on whether it will grant it an entry.
Following the FIA’s approval of Andretti, F1 issued a statement that said it would “now conduct our own assessment of the merits of the remaining application”.
