Hamilton knows F1 chiefs 'won't be happy' with his divisive claim at Qatar GP
Lewis Hamilton threw his support behind Andretti Global's bid to form a new Formula 1 team.
Michael Andretti, in partnership with General Motors through its Cadillac brand, presented what the FIA felt was the best case for an 11th team to join the grid. Several other submissions were turned down by the governing body, leaving the Americans' plan as the only one left standing.
But it does not mean Andretti will be lining up on the grid any time soon. There remains significant opposition to the admission of a new entrant from the existing 10 teams, while F1 itself also has its reservations.
Asked for their thoughts on the situation, most drivers were non-committal with their answers. But Hamilton was happy to share his unfiltered thoughts on the idea of Andretti joining the sport.
"I think it's great," he told reporters. "I think in F1 I've always felt that there weren't enough cars on the grid. There will definitely be people that won't be happy for me to be so supportive of it! But I think it's great.
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"It's an opportunity for more jobs, there's another two seats available for a potential female driver to come through. It opens up more possibilities, and I think it'll be more exciting for the race."
Max Verstappen was less committal about his beliefs, but did show some optimism about the idea of an 11th team. "That is why it is very hard to comment on that because I speak from the drivers' side," said the Red Bull racer. "Of course I am not a team owner, but I can understand their side.
Michael Andretti received FIA approval to join F1 – but has more hoops to jump through (AP)"But everything I have 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 I think it's nice because it gives more opportunities for the drivers' side. But I can understand it from the teams' side that they don't want it. So it is a tricky one, a tough one... It is not going to be an easy decision to make."
And Fernando Alonso, who raced for Andretti in the 2017 Indy 500, was also coy in his answer. The Spaniard said: "A great team, I know Michael and it will be obviously a great name to add to F1. But there are other people in charge of these kinds of decisions, and first FIA, and then FOM and the teams as well.
"I don't know exactly what to say. Whatever is the final decision is going to be okay. I like Michael, I like the organisation. But I also understand other things and I will support, as well, whatever Aston Martin's position is and I will be okay with anything."
As it happens, Aston Martin's position is already very clear. Speaking on Wednesday, billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll said he does not see the need for any additional teams on top of the 10 already competing in the sport, given F1 has enjoyed a boom period of late.
"I think F1, at the moment, the business is onfire," he said. "The sport has never been in a better place and I believe if it ain't broke, 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 I believe that's the way it should stay.
"The sport and the business is on fire. There has never been more fans and spectators – 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. As you know, we now have three races in the States. It's the second year in Miami [and] we're going to Las Vegas in November. So I see tremendous growth possibilities going forward."
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