Spanish team aims to replace Alonso by making F1 step-up

Formula 1 junior series regulars Campos Racing are looking to step up to the top flight of motorsport from 2021, in a bid to revive Spain's interest in the sport following Fernando Alonso's departure.

Backed financially by Monaco Increase Management (MIM), a potential new entry has been laid out for F1 following several meetings with Liberty Media.

Former Manor and Sauber driver Pascal Wehrlein has been outlined as a potential driver alongside former F3 and F2 driver Alex Palou – both are currently managed by MIM.

Wehrlein was a long-time member of Mercedes' junior programme but left at the start of this year, having seen chances in F1 dry up. He joined Mahindra in Formula E last season, scoring a podium in Chile, and has worked in Ferrari's simulator this year.

An MIM statement read: "From the first meeting with Chase Carey… it was clear that a Spanish team would fill the void left by the retirement of Fernando Alonso, and increase the interest of the Spanish fans."

Former McLaren designer Peter McCool and Ex-Mercedes chief aerodynamicist Ben Wood have been identified as technical personnel, and have already begun exploring the potential of a new entry in 2021, when F1's much-vaunted new regulations will come into force.

Campos CEO Salvatore Gandolfo said: "We are aware of the big challenges ahead of us, but we have a team of experts working day and night and the financial solidity required by the FIA to make this a project a success."

Campos will remain a part of both Formula 2 and Formula 3 if admitted to the F1 grid.

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