The game has changed significantly. No driver lineup changes for the first time in the sport's history. And talented junior drivers stacking up at the gates waiting for a seat
The addition of an 11th team would place an operational burden on race promoters
That's the first good argument against them joining that I have ever heard. But I'm sure that's solveable.
Also quite ironic when Liberty has been increasing the pressure on race promoters, and even insisted on promoting the Miami & Las Vegas races themselves instead on relying on race promoters.
It is not a good argument. The current regs state every F1 track must have capacity/facilities for 12 teams. Not to mention a big portion of the tracks on the calendar hosted 11 teams in 2016, and 12 teams in 2012.
Perhaps an unpopular take, but more teams is absolutely not what we need right now. It’s ludicrous to think that Andretti could just waltz in and be competitive. And what exactly would another bottom-feeder team add to the enjoyment of the sport? Or even a midfield one?
We have plenty of both.
That's a short term view. No team is good in their first few years, minus Brawn. If they entered this year or next they would be able to refine their chassis so they can compete in 2028 when they get GM engines.
The financial argument makes more sense, it's much more difficult to prove that Andretti would grow the business, but with US interest waning it might be the thing that brings people back.
It’s ludicrous to think that Andretti could just waltz in and be competitive.
Nobody is ever going to be super successful in their first season (BrawnGP built on Honda's work). Of course there is going to be a learning curve. FOM are basically demanding that Andretti-GM run an entire F1 operation in parallel to the official competition, build up talent and expertise, become super competitive without being an engine customer, and wait until the 2028 regulation when the anti dilution fee will be several billions. Joining and being a backmarker for a couple of seasons is fine for every sane person.