Horner welcomes "powerful" Andretti interest in F1

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has welcomed the interest from a "powerful name in motorsport" such as Michael Andretti joining the F1 grid.

Andretti Global has submitted a bid to enter the sport from 2024 onwards, with 1978 champion Mario Andretti recently confirming a Renault power unit supply has been agreed, as has the base for the team.

The move from Andretti adds to F1's increasing exposure in the United States, with a second race taking place in the country this season as Miami joins Austin's Circuit of the Americas, while there is also the prospect of Las Vegas being added in 2023.

Despite the as-yet-approved entry bid from Andretti seemingly a positive for F1 in its goal to cement its place in the American market, reactions to the news have been mixed, especially from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

But Horner was more enthused about the plans. He said: “It is great that there is the interest for people wanting to get into Formula 1, and the Andretti name is certainly a powerful name in motorsport.

"Of course, they are not the only ones that are making noises about coming on.

“But there are clear criteria through the Concorde Agreement that have to be met and approved. So I am sure they are engaged in that process.

“And of course, that agreement is there to protect the 10 incumbents and not to dilute that. So that would need to be carefully looked at.”

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has so far been the most receptive to the idea of Andretti coming on board, pointing to the benefits the addition would provide to F1.

Aligning himself with the German's view, Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi commented: "I welcome it if it is creative.

“Andretti could have that potential because of the U.S. aspect of it but we will see.

“It would be nice, it would spice things up on the track as well. It is good. It is better and would move the hierarchy over time a little bit.”

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