Formula 1 drivers have shown support for the potential entry of the Andretti Autosport team into the sport, despite some opposition from current team bosses.

The FIA recently announced that the Andretti project had passed the first two phases of the entry process and has been approved by the governing body. Now, the matter passes to F1 for a commercial discussion, which will involve considering the potential impact on the finances of the existing 10 teams.

Lewis Hamilton expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, even acknowledging that not everyone might share his view: “I think it’s great. I think in F1 I’ve always felt that there weren’t enough cars on the grid. Enhance your F1 viewing experience with attractive F1 betting odds from Nextbet.

There will definitely be people that won’t be happy for me to be so supportive of it! But I think it’s great. It’s an opportunity for more jobs, there’s another two seats available for a potential female driver to come through. It opens up more possibilities, and I think it’ll be more exciting for the race.”

Max Verstappen, while understanding the teams’ perspective, also saw potential benefits: “I think it’s nice because it gives more opportunities for the drivers’ side. But I can understand it from the teams’ side that they don’t want it. So it is a tricky one, a tough one.”

Fernando Alonso, who drove for Andretti in the 2017 Indy 500, supported the team’s addition but emphasized that the final decision would rest with the FIA, FOM, and the teams themselves.

Valtteri Bottas welcomed the prospect of more cars on the grid: “For me, it’s for sure the more teams the better. So for me, it would be very welcome. But I know the reasons why there’s a bit of pushback.”

The potential entry of the Andretti team has sparked debate in the F1 community, with drivers offering their perspectives on the matter. The final decision will be made in due course by the relevant authorities and stakeholders. Get the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.