Head of Haas - the only American team currently in Formula 1 - Guenther Steiner criticized recent statements by Michael Andretti, who dreams of having his own team in the category
Andretti's owner, Michael Andretti has made it clear that he dreams of having his own team in Formula 1. However, although he has already shown that he agrees to pay the € 200 million required for teams that want to enter the category from scratch, the plan has not been well received by several of the other teams, which have been hindering the American team's endeavor. This time, Guenther Steiner - Haas' boss - made some criticisms about Michael.
The Italian indicated a certain discomfort with some recent statements by Andretti, who said that "the rejection of Formula 1 would be the worst moment of his career," among other comments. According to Steiner, the statements do not help the team's attempt to enter Formula One - on the contrary, they hurt its chances.
"I don't know what the intention behind those comments is, ask Michael [Andretti]," Steiner said. "Personally, I don't think they are constructive. And honestly, I don't think they're going to help. They [the comments] are not going to make their project go ahead if it continues like this, but everyone makes their own decisions in life," the Haas boss considered.
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With the entrance of another team in Formula One, naturally the cake that is divided among the ten current teams would have an extra member to receive. Thus, several teams have expressed fears about the possible entry of an 11th team. Andretti's intention is to enter the grid for 2024, which means that the FIA's response needs to happen soon - in order to give the Americans time to plan.
"It's not our job to give him the license or not," Steiner admitted. "We have our own opinion about it, but we haven't decided anything. We don't know what they [Andretti] have written on their form," the Italian finished.
While discussions about a possible Andretti entry continue and the team awaits an official position from the FIA, Formula One is preparing to return after a weekend off. The French GP, the next round of the championship, is scheduled to take place between July 22 and 24 at the Circuit Paul Ricard.