Emerson Fittipaldi would like to see two or three more teams in Formula 1 to give talent a chance – plea for Andretti
After Nyck de Vries in 2020 and Oscar Piastri in 2022, the third Formula 2 champion in four years will also come up empty in the fight for a Formula 1 cockpit. Felipe Drugovich has won the direct substructure of the premier class with a commanding lead, but was only able to land a role as a test driver for Aston Martin in 2023.
Ex-world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, whose grandson Enzo is currently sixth in Formula 2, sees the problem in Formula 1 having too few cockpits available. “In my opinion, we need more Formula One teams so there are more cockpits,” the Brazilian tells ‘Vegas Insider’.
He would like to see two or three more teams and thus six additional cars in the field, which the regulations would also allow. Because currently the championship field is limited to 26 participants – but in reality there are only 20.
A higher number of drivers would not be a problem for Fittipaldi: “In the 70s, some Grands Prix had almost 30 cars,” he says. “We just need more cars. It would be better for sponsors, fans, TV and for the young talents who want to be in F1. It would give them more opportunities. “
Formula 1 would definitely have the opportunity to increase the field: Andretti has made a fairly aggressive bid for 2024, and according to Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali, other parties have also shown interest in joining. So far, however, the Andretti project has only met with rejection, although they would even be prepared to pay the 200 million US dollar entry fee.
Fittipaldi believes that Formula 1 should do more to bring the team into the premier class: “I spoke to Michael [Andretti] at Formula E in July. He is very motivated to have an all-American team. “
This would be a win for Formula One and especially for American racing, he believes. “It will create a lot more interest in Formula 1,” he is convinced.
Formula 1 itself, however, is willing not to raise the current number of ten healthy teams at any price. The teams themselves are also against it because they would then have to share their prize money with another competitor.
But it does not help the ladder up if three of the past four Formula 2 champions are stranded for the time being.
