Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says sport doesn’t need new teams despite lack of driver seats

Formula 1 chairman and chief executive Stefano Domenicali says adding new teams to the grid is “not a priority”; Audi joins F1 as engine supplier from 2026 while Porsche also wants to join after failed deal with Red Bull

Stefano Domenicali has admitted there aren’t enough seats in Formula 1 for ‘great drivers’ such as Daniel Ricciardo, but believes the sport doesn’t need new teams as there is a risk that it becomes “too crowded”.

There are currently 10 teams and 20 seats in F1, which is less than most years in the sport’s history, although a boom in popularity has dramatically increased demand and interest in joining the grid.

Audi is already confirmed as an engine supplier from 2026, while Porsche is also keen to join after a failed deal with Red Bull.

The talented drivers on the market, with Ricciardo one of many experienced and up-and-coming stars currently without a contract, have only made the extra seats all the more valuable, and Domenicali told Sky Sports F1 that the Australian ” is a great driver in a difficult moment in his career [at McLaren]» and that he « hopes to be able to find his place ».

F1’s chairman and chief executive, however, remains firm on not wanting to add any new teams.

“As always, you have to be balanced,” Domenicali said. “You have to see all the things that are around the table. To have more drivers…at the end of the day there is always a limit to which you can go.

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Nico Rosberg and Paul Di Resta discuss what went wrong for Daniel Ricciardo and his options for 2023.

“By adding one or two you can open up driver seats. But we also need to have the right dimension in what is successful for the sport.

“I think in that respect there’s the assessment of the sustainability of the team, the assessment of not being too encumbered with that. So I would say in terms of priority it’s not really a need for Formula 1 today.”

Michael Andretti was looking to bring another American team to F1, although even if potential teams pay the $200m entry fee, that doesn’t guarantee their place.

Domenicali said his reluctance was due to “having a vision for the future”.

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Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has paid tribute to the Queen following her death on Thursday at the age of 96.

“Now Formula 1 is extremely competitive, but you have to be very strong in financial terms, in terms of skills, and today that is one of the things that is crucial, to ensure that the stability of the system will last a long time..

“You see how difficult it is today to find people who are really of the highest quality in all the different pursuits. I don’t think today that’s something we can say in faith.

“I think that’s the time we have to invest for the future, but we have to be balanced. So I’m not saying it won’t happen, but we have to take it step by step.”