It's been a busy off-season for Formula 1 with Team Principal moves, the war of words between the FIA and the commercial rights holder, and Andretti stating their intent to join the grid. While the overall feedback on Andretti and Cadillac joining the grid has been positive, some have voiced their concerns over whether they can provide growth for F1 and benefit the other teams with their entry. Prior to joining the official expression of interest process, Michael Andretti already hit out against the teams for their "snobbish" attitude .
Horner: Why should we dilute our element of the prize fund?
Red Bull boss Christian Horner has explained why the teams have been opposed to the joint bid, citing the reduced prize money the teams will receive for an 11th entity on the Constructors' Championship table. “If you introduce another one or two teams, you dilute the value of the current 10 franchises, which of course teams — particularly down towards the bottom end of the grid — have got a very inflated inherent value at the moment," he said in an interview with RACER . “The two teams that are supporting it (McLaren and Alpine) either have a partnership in the U.S. with them, or are going to supply them an engine. The other eight are saying, ‘Well hang on, why should we dilute our element of the prize fund?’" Formula 1 currently has an anti-dilution fee for new teams of $200 million, which is split equally among the existing teams. But if Andretti choose to join in 2026, they could potentially avoid paying that fee due to a 20-year old EU decree . But Horner feels as though the current 10 teams is enough, as it could lead to further problems for existing teams down the line. "I think all 10 teams are in great shape, and that’s in part due to the popularity of the sport, but also the budget cap and the fact that there are only 10 tickets and 10 franchises. “I think Formula 1 will be very conscious of diluting that if they could be giving themselves problems further down the line.”
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