Audi's F1 entry could be in trouble...

So, should Andretti pounce on this potential opportunity? Or hold out for an entry as an 11th team?
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#TommoF1

[@adrianpragiwaksana4245]

"Andretti cannot add commercial value to the sport in F1". Meanwhile Audi:

[@TommoOnYoutube]

🤷

[@HXIIIH]

Real

[@arwyss]

And if rumors of Ford getting cold feet bc of the Christian Horner situation are true…

[@Kyle-Russell]

The is a huge difference as Audi didn’t want to set up a new team they brought a team. Formula One has no legal control over company selling their f1 team and who is buying that team.

[@valecasini]

They are BUYING it... Andretti wants to enter it as an 11th team! With Audi the money split will not change and it's not changing the value of F1 with Andretti there will be another split of the money and it could bring or not bring value to F1!

[@albertoalbi5048]

I know how it will end. Nothing changes and everyone stays as they are right now.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Pork F1 Team Punch Sauber

[@MMAli-rq8kd]

Sad but true

[@TheDiasporaMedia]

@@TommoOnKZbin😂😂😂

[@albertoalbi5048]

@@TommoOnKZbin 😂😂😂

[@drewd2]

Yes, Andretti should buy their way in, but I also agree that it would be more interesting with an 11th team.

[@bt_11]

Does FOM prefer Andretti liquidate an existing team and replace it with their own operations? It sounds silly to me.

[@guybeingaguy]

No other professional sporting organization has participants pay though. That’s how stupid F1 is. Or it’s a corrupt money laundering organization more than a racing thingy.

[@drewd2]

Actually, teams do pay the league. That's actually common in many industries that have a franchisor/franchisee relationship.@@guybeingaguy

[@TRRacing134]

Or just imagine if we have 10 more years of Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Overcooked.

[@jendas333]

Honestly of they keep delivering banger liveries I wouldn't mind 🤷‍♂️

[@johnpatricklim4509]

MisStake F1 Team Kick Sauber A$$

[@Lastname6955]

Oh my god please no with that god awful livery

[@BatataEnlatada]

@@jendas333 well first they have to start

[@2455Phoenix]

Andretti can pounce right now if they want. It might be a risky move, but I think it's worth a shot

[@TommoOnYoutube]

If Audi want an out, that could mean they're open to making a deal n'all. Andretti could maybe get it on the (relative) cheap.

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

The thing for Andretti is, they want to operate from the US and the UK. I wonder if Switzerland and Germany is a compromise they'll be willing to make at least in the shorter term. Will they be able to relocate without spending more than it'd cost to start from scratch.. these are similar questions, they'd have to answer if they were buying out Haas or RB as well.

[@Yantrus]

After everything Andretti have been put through, if I were them I’d say fuck F1.

[@justinburley8659]

@@YantrusAnd that would be fair. But American pride would rather prove everyone wrong instead of accept defeat.

[@5150TJT]

USA 34 trillion in debt, yeah good luck 😂😂😂 fuckers will be broke soon.. They need a Ukraine flag on the car then they will get billions..

[@PatrickSchraner]

The reason being in Switzerland is a hindrance is not "isolation", it's literally in the middle of Europe. It's a hindrance cause the salaries are much higher than the ones for any other team that is based in either Italy or the UK. That's a HUGE issue with the cost cap.

[@jiboo6850]

for a good reason. life is expensive in Switzerland. they can't under pay their employees.

[@chrisc475]

Yes Switzerland is in the middle of Europe, but Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Aston Martin, Williams, Alpine and now RB have bases in the UK (70% of the grid!). This is where the experienced engineers are and they're not going to want to relocate to Switzerland if they change team, if there's a better chance of staying in the UK. It'll just be too much disruption to their lives.

[@PeterTeal77]

"Kansas isn't isolated, it's literally in the middle of America"

[@noctuaaa]

Ive been looking at their job offers. 6-7k / month as an engineer with a masters is well below whats normal (10k/month)

[@rspbgaming8147]

This is Andretti's only chance to get in really, It's disgusting how they have been blocked entry when we have teams like Haas who refuse to invest...

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Unless we wanna wait until 2028. I'm confident they'd get agreed for then, because of the engine deal. But I certainly don't wanna wait.

[@magnustan841]

I have a conspiracy that it’s all set up. Us fans and the media outlets were pretty onboard with the Andretti bid, we saw what they were doing, jumping through all the hoops. F1 rejecting them for now, is to ensure we all blow up and when if they do get in in 2028, they will have everyone’s support. Like in the statements surrounding the rejection, both F1 and Andretti acknowledged the fan aspect with Andretti showing appreciation for the support

[@rspbgaming8147]

It's not just that, It puts off other potential parties from wanting to get involved with the sport at all. What if BMW wanted to come back or Mitsubishi wanted to try their hand. Back in the day it would have been fine but the teams have become so greedy and have too much power now that they will block any entry attempt.

[@charlespletzke8311]

@@TommoOnKZbinI heard something about a potential reason for F1 suggesting that was bc of a new Concorde agreement with a massively inflated entry fee to essentially price everyone out of f1

[@arwyss]

@@TommoOnKZbinbut is GM going to spend the money to develop an engine without having a guaranteed spot on the grid?

[@seanonraet8327]

It's crazy how f1 bent over backwards for the VW group to join and now it might not even happen

[@derbigpr500]

Yea, crazy how F1 wants a huge automotive giant with huge history, pedigree and expertise in a wide range of motorsports, and huge technological, marketing and financial background, with immense engineering experience, R&D capability, all required facilities, factories, and globally recognizable brands in their group. It's so weird that F1 would want them in, right? Let's have a group of amateurs led by a senile and delusional ex-F1 driver in F1 instead, a team that's never engineered a door handle for a car, let alone anything else. Much better, right? Andretti would certainly bring a lot to F1 considering they've never developed any race car in their history, don't even have an engineering team, R&D facilities, a factory, or any experience in motorsport development in general. Let's do that instead of having teams like Audi or Porsche in F1, right? Crazy.

[@thebateman761]

​@@derbigpr500Porsche doesn't wanna be in f1

[@blauekits7782]

​​@@derbigpr500Open-wheel racecars don't have doors genius. Plus GM has all the resources you mentioned.

[@beantownterrier7787]

GM has all that and brings more value to F1 than Audi. Also, they can afford it, questionable that Audi can . @@blauekits7782

[@jiboo6850]

@@thebateman761 they're from the same group !! Audi and Porsche are in the VW group. no group can enter with 2 different brands.

[@LPChipi]

God I wish Andretti would take their place. I'd just love to see Domenicali's face

[@derbigpr500]

WTF is everyone's obsession with Andretti? Are you all collectively infected with stupidity or something? You realize Andretti is literally not up to being in F3, let alone up to the task of being in F1. They've never designed a race car on their own. EVER. ANY RACE CAR. And they think they can get into F1 just because they have money? LMAO delusional team and even more delusional fanboys. Andretti shouldn't even be on top 100 of possible teams that can enter F1 if a spot opens.

[@derbigpr500]

I'd want that too, just to see all your fanboy's melt in humiliation when you realize that Andretti wouldn't even be able to build a functioning F1 car that would be capable of running in track, let alone be competitive. They've never developed a race car in their history and some of you are delusional enough to think they can compete in F1. LMAO this is pure gold.

[@LPChipi]

@@derbigpr500 Guys we found Gene Haas' burner account! I'm far from an Andretti fanboy, but I think it'd be exciting to see a team with actual ambition that is eager to compete. Regardless of the car they may build. Out of 10 teams, we currently have 3 in Haas, VCARB and Stake who are just treading water at the back and going nowhere, with no intention of changing, investing or improving (you could make the case for Alpine to be the 4th). It'd be refreshing to see a serious team, with a serious car manufacturer behind them come in an give it an honest try.

[@_kijetesantakalu]

​@@derbigpr500 so much hostility. relax my guy, maybe grab a snack or something

[@derbigpr500]

@@_kijetesantakalu I'm tired of reading these andrettitards go on about it like clueless fanboys that they are.

[@mogelkaiser1876]

if audi would pull out of f1 before even really joining it would already be a big financial hit for audi. theyve already build a big facility in neuburg, near their hq in ingolstadt...

[@The_ZeroLine]

Yeah. But that’s all liquid. It’s just shares in a team which they could easily sell Money spent on R&D is not liquid and truly money down the drain. F1 is a dumb way to market a brand, especially when there’s a good chance you’ll be at the bottom of the grid.

[@Banyo__]

Andretti literally has all the moving parts, prestige, history, and the money to step into F1. Ironically the only thing holding them back, is literally F1. Andretti has to decide, what is more important, getting on the grid/buying an existing team now, or holding out, taking a financial hit job, yet again, and “hoping” to get in, in a few years. Personally, I think as long as he can get control of a team with a majority, buy out a team now, and let’s do this.

[@chrisc475]

Yes. Andretti are far more deserving of a spot than Haas, who perpetually lurch along at the back of the grid and seemingly have no plans to improve.

[@AndyKazama2]

Andretti buying a "stake" in Sauber would mean they already have an F1 base in Europe.

[@Inzersdorf93]

Which is what they dont want. Sauber declined an Andretti offer two years ago because Andretti didnt want to guarantee the Hinwil base and employees.

[@SirSneakerPimp]

Let me make sure I remember some facts… Michael Andretti was in talks to purchase the Sauber team. Peter Sauber kept stalling and giving Andretti the business run around. Because they were also talking to VW/Audi to also make a deal. Then Sauber announces their new partnership deal via Audi. Now there is trouble in the water with Audi? Andretti tries instead to just become a brand new team per the Concorde Agreement. Then the F1 teams scream NO. The FOM then decide to stall for a BS issue and then ban them outright for the same BS issue and are also slapped in the face, being told they are not important. I really hope it’s true, and the Audi deal takes a sh:t and Sauber have to scramble.

[@The_ZeroLine]

Well, Sauber won’t have to scramble. They already sold 50% of the team.

[@tonyy.8852]

Just bring back pre qualify and have like 15 teams trying to get in. That'll be fun to watch and offer a ton more seats. Maybe it would be more competitive if they remove some of the technical bans too

[@manjsher3094]

Now there is a chance the Skoda team will get approval, let's all hope.

[@rockstarsouth3405]

Like they said in Autosport if Audi abandons the project, then that’s the last time F1 should ever deal with VW, they changed the rules just for their teams. It’ll be a bit of a pisstake if an audi car doesn’t reach the grid.

[@The_ZeroLine]

I think that’s the only reason they haven’t pulled the plug yet. They know they’ll be in for a shit storm of angry calls and look like fools. But I think they will eventually pull out.

[@motornaut]

Audi will become the German Alpine if management won't commit to the project properly, or the next Toyota/Jaguar if the management can't work out what they want the project to be

[@ammarisrar2005]

Since Audi are “committed” isn’t it illegal for them to pull out, since they own 50% of Sauber, but if Audi do pull out, then Andretti can definitely do a buyout, or maybe another manufacturer can make a risky move to join F1 like Toyota

[@pachakutimundi6813]

iirc Toyota only wanted to come back as an engine supplier with Mclaren

[@ehrlichgesagt863]

​@@baltic_baronthe question is, what does pulling out mean? Do they declare it for sale? Or just lower there investment to a minimum, so pretty much Haas 2.0 lol, or do they just keep the shares and dont get involved at all, while letting Stake just decide everything

[@The_ZeroLine]

lol. Illegal. Wtf are you on about?

[@squabbbb]

I really hope Andretti doesn't take this opportunity, if they do the other teams win and it sets a very dangerous precedent for the sport. How many other FIA decisions will the teams and Liberty Media be able to overturn? If another AD21 happens, what's to stop Liberty Media from choosing their own result? F1 needs an 11th team, the fans want an 11th team, don't take the deal.

[@SamuelOliveira-xd7le]

We want an 11th team, not the same team with different name 😫

[@cosmic-tiger]

At least with Andretti they’re actually a race team only so you can guarantee that they won’t get distracted much by corporate stuff. It seems to be a common problem with these big car companies that the desire for motorsport changes with the wind when someone stands up in the boardroom & walks out.

[@johnpatricklim4509]

Andretti tried to buy sauber earlier....but its too expensive for them because sauber wants a guarantee in case Andretti pulls out and Andretti don't like that....

[@derbigpr500]

Andretti is a sponsor. They've never designed or built a race car. Ever. Any race car. They're clueless. They'd be lapped by P19 cars by lap 10 if they got in.

[@thebateman761]

​@@derbigpr500you would've said the same for Red Bull

[@derbigpr500]

@@thebateman761 No, I wouldn't, because Red Bull didn't get into F1 as a team from scratch, they came into F1 and took over an existing team that was in F1 for a long time before that.

[@willwilkins1286]

@derbigpr500 this argument could have been made for any new team coming in. Imagine Williams didn’t come into the sport bc they didn’t build cars before that. The sport needs new teams, and Andretti are putting in the work to have a decent shot. I’m not saying they’ll be challenging Red Bull, or even in the mid-feild, but you can’t say they’d be any worse than the 2021 Haas or the 2018-2020 Williams. I think they at least deserve a shot

[@hope-family]

@tommo historically one of the reason for Switzerland being a hinderance to Sauber is not our isolation, but our high living costs that come with the living standards. According to Wikipedia the average salaries in the UK are 3.1k, Germany 4, Italy 2.4 while Switzerland's is 7k. So basically with the same amount of salaries as the others, Sauber has always had half the brain power. But it's not just that, it's every other expense they have within the country too. Switzerland is just so expensive compared to any other country in the world. For example, a Pizza in an average Restaurant is between 20 and 25 Swiss Francs... Maybe there is some form of compensation for this in the cost cap rules to level that a bit. I don't know.

[@matej6357]

Wouldn't that "contribute to their isolation" in terms of the F1 market?

[@eastbaystreet1242]

I like your use of the pizza example. Now I am hungry :-)

[@The_ZeroLine]

I mean, you’re isolated in the fact that you’re far from where every F1 engineer lives. Yes, it’s a short flight home, but being away five-days a week is a great way to get a divorce.

[@joshwaterfield2483]

I think it woukd be good for Andretti to try and get in. Because ultimately when cadillac comes along it will be a new manufacturer in the sport which will plug the hole that would be left by Audi not getting involved. But yes, it woukd be a shame if it killed off Sauber completely. Its become one of them teams like Williams that regardless of their position on the grid, they are kind of a staple team of the sport. The thing is, not matter what rhe outcome in that scenario, there is a loss in some capacity.

[@stephenfink4695]

I’m honestly surprised that the back markers of back markers, Haas, have the blessing of the FIA. Andretti already has a car. Andretti has the infrastructure. Haas has the last place car for the foreseeable future. It’s inexcusable that Andretti is not welcomed to the grid..it’s a bad look for F1, and when Andretti finally lands a spot, it will be a worse look when the are actually competitive out of the gate.

[@The_ZeroLine]

I think it’s less that and more the fact that F1 can’t do anything about them. And again, it’s F1 and not the FIA that are keeping Andretti out. The FIA approved Andretti. It was FOM that kept them out.

[@assemblyerror2822]

Andretti buying Sauber from Audi would get Andretti into F1, but would also mean the end for Sauber. Which has the history as a constructor since the 80’s. Best option in my mind would be to allow Andretti as 11th team to the sport.

[@X-Warrior.1119]

But still prefer Cadillac/Andretti... This does put a smile on My Face!...😏😉😎

[@VykronianF1]

I like independent teams more that manufacturers bc the manufacturers come and go as they choose. But independents stay bc they love racing even though their pockets are burning. With how F1 has treated Andretti, why jump into a shark tank? F1 is a competition and should have more teams.

[@Kozmal12]

If Audi will have the same level of motivation to win as Alpine or even lower like Haas, idk if it's even worth having them in the sport

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

Or VCARB, Alpine can at least dream of being champions. VCARB is just there to train, test and vote for RBR.

[@TheDiasporaMedia]

@@F1ll1nTh3BlanksDream? We were world champions! This team enstone 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 🇪🇸 🇪🇸 “Remember the days…. 🎵 “we are the champions” 🎶 2005-2006. 1994-1995. Alonso. MSC Respect the double double. ✊🏻 Alez le blue 🇫🇷 Alpine

[@harry4454]

​@@TheDiasporaMediaso were Williams... so were many teams before too

[@TheDiasporaMedia]

@@harry4454 No. Out of the current mid field under performing teams only Alpine and Williams were World champions. Not even "Team Silverstone" ie Aston Matrin has never won a WCC or WDC nor have any of the other backmarker teams i.e Sauber. So no your wrong only Williams and Alpine fall into that category.

[@harry4454]

@@TheDiasporaMedia "many teams before" I didn't specifically say on the current grid. Since the alpine team is hardly the Renault team from the 2000s

[@95mushroom]

Wonder if this is why Sainz Sr. was spotted with Horner, Newey, and Marko yesterday...

[@_Dibbler_]

That will probably more have to do with his son being pretty much on par with the two wonder boys of F1, Leclerc and Norris,, while RB is still not happy with their own #2 driver....

[@xSyph]

I'd like an 11th team but that just doesn't seem likely. So, would you rather have a more competitive team on the grid with Andretti or status quo? I'd rather take Andretti.

[@thegreatstapley]

Would be a massive L for Seidl and co who committed early expexting to be in a works team. And it would give Sainz fewer options too. If he doesn't feel he can commit to Sauber for 25, where else could he land?

[@bsylvester713]

The problem with 'Sauber' is that Finn Rausing wants to keep part of the team. I'm sure Andretti's time will come, but Sauber is really a no go zone. It'd be much better to buy Haas, or, Andretti gets the 11th team on the grid once Stefano Domenicali goes.

[@lousysahu]

why isnt an F1 team, when having the intentions of being sold, put it up for a type of an auction? we can then finally see what team wants to get in the sport the most and is ready to invest the heaviest and ready to keep the team together too.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

GOING ONCE TWO TOE THE FAGELAENE GLEHLTHE ATG GOING TWICE TEOENAGNEAOGNEOGINELTEHALHS SOLDDDDDD

[@hanstubben]

Better Andretti getting Sauber if Audi doesn't want to go further in F1. If not Andretti, who's gonna be qualified to take over? It's unfortunate that the Swiss base probably will close, but that is how things work on the free market, many companies move their headquarters and manufacturing over the world to what best suits the company!

[@AtlanticwayExplorer]

If I was Andretti and bought out Audi, I’d vote against every team that opposed them in the future

[@timmanto1022]

Sainz and Pourchaire as an Andretti line up would be legendary. And VCARB and Haas are allowed to still continue on as well.

[@RiskBayles]

I mean its possible but I feel like Andretti already has drivers in mind from their current teams

[@timmanto1022]

@@RiskBayles You're going to hire a bunch of Indy and Formula E drivers when you would inherit the Sauber Academy.

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

Sainz should steer clear of Sauber. He's in his prime. I don't know if he has enough time to build that team to something worth racing for.

[@Redlingstein]

@@RiskBaylesimpossible 😂 those drivers don’t have the required Licence Points

[@ehrlichgesagt863]

I hope this guy gets his promotion, he is easily as talented as Piastri

[@hswplays]

If I see Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber after 2025 and NOT Cadillac Andretti it might just break my heart

[@nicholashansen1477]

Andretti Cadillac*

[@harry4454]

2028 cadillac will be an engine supplier, that's when andretti will join

[@Jerseygarage]

Andretti is a leader in motorsports series around the world. On top of that, they have the backing of one of the largest juggernauts in the Automotive industry with GM, who themselves have seen good success in IndyCar, NASCAR, and endurance racing around the world. This whole situation is ridiculous. Pair that with the infestation of U.S. races, and this need to switch everything to street circuits, I'm convinced F1's board room and managing directors consist of people with room-temperature IQs.

[@jccques-]

So my neighbour is an Audi Engineer.. I'm not an Expert and we briefly talked about it, but he said that Audi tries to keep the costs as low as they can..cheap contracts, low R&D budget and so on.. If that is really the Case then Audi won't be very competitive - or not even start lol

[@harry4454]

Lol ok look at all the other motorsports they've been in

[@WeAreNotAIone]

"reports Bild" means don't take it too seriously, they are known for their less than stellar reporting in Germany.

[@TGears314]

The reasonability of buying the team hinges a LOT on finding not only $600 million but also finding an additional $200 million. That’s not anything to sneeze at. That’s a pretty large sum of moneu

[@chuck62891]

It is obvious that Andretti should make a serious offer to Audi and just take their place and stay to the schedule of coming in now and then switch to Cadillac whenever that is set to go. Keep Hinwil for a year or two and then either phase it out or down while building up their UK branch and ultimately the one in the USA. Why needlessly push the ball uphill for an 11th team. This way the owners of the other teams have less reasons to complain. They keep the pie to 10 pieces and that is better than the team going away and they run with nine. Go ahead Andretti, I would be on the phone right now, if I were him/them.

[@F1dude.]

Its andretti's only chance, so they really should, they already have everything they need and they can enter in 2026 that was when they wanted to start. Would still be more interesting with andretti and audi, but just andretti would be better than nothing

[@marjoh669]

I wouldn’t be suprised if FOM managed to find a way to block Andretti from buying Sauber from Audi🙃

[@sahilthomasbara]

You bet, they'll definitely gonna try it .

[@Kiwing827]

Sauber has 2 arms, a Motorsports arm (F1 team) and a technology engineering consultation arm. The factory would most likely be sold back to the technology arm if Andretti buys the team

[@Traxxmaciek]

I would definitely prefer someone else over Audi. Andretti for sure, but also possibly a Asian brand too. A Toyota GR, Hyundai N or maybe even something Chinese like BYD wouldn’t be too bad

[@NickArcieri]

It certainly makes sense for Andretti to take another crack at Sauber in order to enter F1. Only question I have is what will be different this time in order to make the deal go through successfully? The same forces at work to keep Andretti out of F1 before are still there.

[@The_ZeroLine]

They can’t stop them buying a team. They also literally told them to buy a team if they wanted in.

[@aldopulidocastillo1270]

Not sure if this is a sign of Audi not selling much, but there was a strike at an Audi factory in México because the workers were unsatisifed with their pays

[@isaacmumby3624]

But if Aldi don't come into F1, where is my boy Carlos supposed to go?

[@kentw.phillips5748]

Aldi is a German grocery store chain. Audi is a German automobile manufacturer. Just want to help for accuracy's sake.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

I would race for food. @@kentw.phillips5748

[@lucvincentmetz8144]

I think from the statement of Liberty regarding Andretti it became pretty obvious that they don't want an 11th team no matter who it is. So if Andretti wants another chance to enter F1 he has to do it. But at the same time I'm not convinced that Audi is truly on the way out. F1 is a marketing tool after all and just being on the grid would be more beneficial to their road-car sales than not being involved at all.

[@maxvain]

Andretti having to pay for factory that they don't need, and also have to worry about layoffs and severance etc is a major premium to fork out

[@philmartinez5606]

If this is legitimately the only way in for Andretti, by all means I would rather see them buy out Audi. But on the other hand, it feels like the evil dictator has won in barring a dream entry for an 11th team, and forcing them to buy an existing teams slot that's essentially a bunch of assets that are worthless to Andretti and would end up being liquidated to make way for what Andretti actually wants to do, pushing the "competitive ball", as it were, for Andretti even further down the road, which unravels one of FOM's main (already questionable at best) arguments against Andretti coming in in the first place. I would rather see Andretti fight to the death for an 11th entry on the chance that they might actually be competitive and let Sauber (or F1 itself) to sort that team out, even if it means it just gets chucked from one slutty title sponsor to the next for a couple more rule cycles Same goes for the completely useless bunch of scattered assets that is HAAS F1 Team...

[@GR1NCH]

buying a franchise is 250-500M, to buy a team it's 1b-2B depending on who you buy. Aston was valued at 1.4, alpine was valued at 1B-1.2B.

[@02bluehawk]

I fully expect Andretti/caddilac to build a car, show up to the track the weekend after or before a f1 race and put down fast lap times just to spite F1 for saying they won't be competitive.

[@hamza-chaudhry]

6:38 I just assumed that photo was normal turn 1 Spa chaos with half the field facing the wrong way, but then I realised it was an orchestrated photo

[@aaronedwards4953]

Theoretically, Andretti could buy Sauber out (completely) if Audi pulls out and do exactly what they wanted originally. It'll be funny if that happens.

[@galaxlordcz3933]

Andretti buying into Sauber is the worst outcome of this whole deal, the main reason 90% of F1 fans want Andretti is to have an 11th team, the Andretti name is cool and all, but I don't think they'd bring in much more value than Audi if they just bought into an existing team.

[@cosmic-tiger]

I also agree that it’s annoying if Andretti do have to buy Sauber to get in & F1/the teams get their way & shows they can strong arm any other future entrants. Regarding the Swiss location, if Andretti buy it I don’t really think that will change, they’ll just be isolated in the US instead.

[@davidmarrazzo774]

Does anybody in the US who aren’t Motorsport fans even know who Andretti is? The answer is a resounding NO.

[@charlesjmouse]

Not even remotely surprised... Um, Andretti..? It's been obvious from the off that Audi's 'entry' has been motivated by "Wouldn't it be nice if Audi won some F1 championships?" Followed by a rummage under the sofa to see if they had the loose change to buy an ailing F1 team. No enthusiasm displayed, no attempt to get ahead of the game with Sauber before they officially hit the track. I expect Audi will quickly pull the plug when success doesn't come, if not before entry. On a wider front, I've said it before and I'll say it again. Manufacturer teams are poison to F1 - they are only in it for the marketing, and no matter how successful will pull the plug just as soon as said success inevitably disappears, leaving F1 and the bereft team high-and-dry. I sincerely wish F1 would stop perusing major car manufacturers and encourage entries and existing teams that are in it for F1 itself... Oh, Andretti..? *sigh* Yes, yes... Ferrari. A somewhat different case, don't you think?

[@krosisproductions6964]

I understand where your coming from, but think about it like this, they’ve got an engine, they’ve got the facilities to do the project. I’ve honestly no doubt this’ll go ahead. I’d prefer an Audi works entry, than an Andretti tbh

[@oussamabendakir1453]

I don't think andretti is interested in paying 800k to enter f1 especially that the facilities won't be really needed so...... And for me it's better to try and buy 75% of vcarb than Sauber

[@HXIIIH]

If teams keep blocking and blocking their entry, Andretti definitely should acquire any team they can afford, whether it's Sauber, Haas or Vcarb

[@harry4454]

Haas won't sell to andretti ever I don't think

[@santiagoremedi7385]

9:15 duuude that's the MyTeam hq! I wonder if Andretti did that on purpose lol

[@macan94126]

At this point, I think most people would be happy if Andretti bought Sauber, and Audi finally came back to WEC with an LMDh car

[@camejuanm]

VW be like "we have Porsche, we have Audi, we have ✨racing history✨, not one, but both brands have to be in the ✨pinnacle of motorsport✨" 2 years later... VW : "what F1 project?"

[@jiboo6850]

such stupid comment. you seem to believe it's easy to create a good F1 team.

[@harry4454]

Andretti will be in f1 in 2028 when cadillac/GM are going to be an engine supplier. Theyre already contracted so it makes sense

[@ricardopetrere]

The Audi novel never ends... Just re-re-rename it to Sauber already, or sell it to Andretti. Both options would be awesome

[@jayscott4990]

“The championship would all value to Andretti and not the other way around. They should enter in 2028 when GM has a power unit ready” Audi: Hold my beer Sauber: Oh Okay!

[@scrody38]

I want Andretti in earlier than 2028. It would be a shame to not have them come in as an 11th team, as I still think ten teams is a problem, . But if buying out Audi guarantees them a spot and gets them in earlier than 2028 Andretti should be calling yesterday.

[@prongATO]

It’s pretty amazing the difference with which F1 chases VW group and slams the door in GM’s face.

[@luckypennybenny]

Andretti is not buying Suaber because of the contracts and obligations. Thats what prevented them from having control, the current suaber team is inked to the gills with debt and commitments.

[@rishinarang9966]

I think joining Audi/Kick is looking to be a terrible idea for Sainz, especially coming from Ferrari. He should try and target an Aston Martin seat. Just wishful thinking but an Alonso/Sainz lineup would be insane.

[@hughjass1044]

I just get the feeling that F1 doesn't want Andretti. Period. Not as a team buyer, not as an expansion team, not as anything. I can't put my finger on why exactly, but I just get the feeling that the power brokers in the F1 world don't like Andretti and don't want him around.

[@andrewdunn4596]

Dorilton Capital must have made a mint with their Williams buy-out ... what are their plans

[@Ryzard]

I share the same thought. It sucks if they have to take the sauber team, it's kinda a sour taste on all counts. And also, tbh, a worrying starting point for Andretti as a team.. Andretti should be number 11.

[@Cruzblack781]

I wonder what would happen if lets say audi pull out Andretti take over sauber then in 2028 Audi say actually we want in as an eleventh team are F1 going to turn round and say nope you wont bring anything and you wont be competitive imagine that scenario

[@danieleziaco7092]

08:58 belgium isn't exactly a "surrounding" country of Switzerland 😅

[@GeliCarlosJ]

And to think F1 & the teams bent over backwards to try and get VW to join only to end up having no VW brand & the teams that want to join are "not commercially viable" enough for them epic fail from F1 & VW

[@DrunkAnton]

there is also that knowledge saubers technical knowledge im not sure the other option of buying haas is comparable since they outsource alot compared to sauber

[@09juliancarr]

So why not ‘sell’ to Porsche? The engine development is already underway… unless THAT is the problem. Also, If Andretti wants most of the staff in Indiana, he is VERY naïve, as if you think Hinwill is a problem? A place where there are few direct flights is MUCH worse

[@andreasthiemke9520]

As a dane, growing up with the glory days of Tom Kristensen in an Audi destroying everyone in Le Mans I really hope to see Audi in F1

[@DrGodzirra]

"The plan is in place" just sounds like corporate PR with german flavouring

[@johnk2145]

what i get from the vw group as a whole is that they want entry in f1 especially with the viewership increasing since they sent 2 of their "luxury" but kinda affordable car companies to seek entry. Yes audi may have some problems but it isnt audi wanting entry, its the parent company of vw that wants it. Vw group is gonna have a a race team in 2026 whether is Vw Audi or Porsche

[@72Leroy]

New team completely.. I truly think 2 new teams..Mix it up a bit

[@jonpetter8921]

Quality over quantity....

[@MMAli-rq8kd]

"The word of the VW group cannot be trusted" I don't know why but that hit a nerve 😅😅😅 😉😉

[@SirZuri]

Audi cannot just sell their stake again to anyone. There is a 1000% chance that there is a clause in the contract where Rausing would be able to buy back the stake if Audi pulls out. This is a billion dollar company we are talking about, not a used PS4. Audi makes the team immensly more valuable just by their name recognition / brand value and the money / knowhow that will be injected into the Sauber company / the Hinwil base. And because Rausing will still own at least 25% of Sauber, this makes his stake more valuable as well. Andretti doesn't have the same brand value to it so Rausing would never ever agree to that. Especially because firstly Rausing is not eager to sell his whole stake (which Andretti would want), otherwise he already would've done it with Audi, secondly because Andretti would most likely cut spending or even close down the Hinwil base, making Rausing's asset almost worthless. Rausing has a very hot asset in his hands and could use it as bait to attract other manufacturers that are maybe eyeing on a full works entry in the future. Andretti is just very vocal in the media but there are plenty more interesting partners out there.

[@aperson5006]

I think it is a no-brainer for Andretti to scoop Sauber up from Audi if Audi is indeed wanting to walk away, The new team buy-in is going to be at least 600 million not counting all of the other financial costs with setting up an entirely new team, if they could get the Audi stake for even 800 million, I think it absolutely makes more financial sense to buy Sauber over praying to get the 11th entry.

[@Alex58399]

If it’s to do with car sales, why not promote two of their subsidiaries? Audi-Porsche? Volkswagen-Audi?

[@botondgalffy9085]

I hope Andretti is the 11. team on the grid. We need more team/car/driver!!

[@victortaveira8271]

Cost caps hinders that possibility and that's why new entrances are been blocked

[@Eagleracer38x]

Andretti tried buying Sauber the first time for $600 million, just to be told they would have to buy the bank that was major stakeholders in Sauber for $2 billion instead. This Andretti buying a current team or new team is never going to happen, because the current F1 teams don't want Andretti. And unlike Haas, Andretti would actually try and compete. But, no F1 teams have become a bunch of Bernie Ecclestones now. And, they will keep moving the goal posts further and further along, even as new teams not from the U.S. will be allowed in.

[@SecondSince]

There will not be an 11th team at any point in the foreseeable future. Buying a team is the only option for Andretti. That's just how it is, no matter how we feel or think about it.

[@shadowmancy9183]

The rules state otherwise. If they change it in the 2026 concorde, then that's what it is, but under present rules, we can have 13 teams. A 26-car grid would bring a lot of money into the sport.

[@BwInNewJersey]

The best way to sell more Audis longterm is F1. Here in the States it is still an under promoted premium brand imo.

[@cco53587]

Andretti can bring Cadillac, so it might be different this time, but on the other hand I don’t know if this will go any better than the last time Andretti tried to buy into Sauber. Andretti probably wants a level of control and integration similar to what they got from merging with Wayne Taylor Racing, but Sauber is so much bigger and I don’t see them willing to cede too much to the Andretti organization. Audi should have never planned to leave sports car racing in my opinion.

[@richharvey530]

Sauber-Andretti does have a nice ring to it 🤔

[@EddieVanAidan]

One of the BS reasons F1 denied Andretti is because they didn't intend to enter with a works GM engine straight away. If Andretti buy Sauber, they'll have customer engines. So would the other teams suddenly abandon all their ridiculous prerequisites and let Andretti in, or try and figure out a different way to block them for lack of perceived 'value'? I have so many questions 😅

[@nomar5spaulding]

If Andretti wanted to buy into Sauber in the most American way possible, he should buy the Audi stake in the Stake F1 Team and change the name to the Steak F1 Team and then get a sponsorship from a BBQ sauce and spice rub company.

[@eastbaystreet1242]

I am still following the food theme in these comments. First, pizza. Now steak. How am I ever going to get into my F1 team jersey if I am eating pizza and steak? Anyway, only a week until racing. FWIW, I think it could be very interesting on many levels to have a big American manufacturer like Cadillac/GM in F1.

[@the_lost_navigator7266]

McLaren's recent success must surely give Audi cold deet about developing it's own engine. It will cost a huge amount of money, and even if rhey get it right, won't be better than any other engine on the grid. Now there is a tech tie up between VW group and Ford. Could Audi end up using an engine built by ford/RBPT ?

[@ryancuda45]

nobody seems to be able to seal the deal with the sauber ceo lol he is holding the 25 % shares and and wants to much in return, and sauber just getting free re-evals and its making the team worth more every time.

[@christianlabetoria7167]

Carlos Sainz driver for Andrettti Cadillac? I mean SAI looks good in a yellow racing suit.