Michael Andretti must have thought that a tie-up with GM Cadillac will make things easier in his bid to join F1. And to be fair, many teams, including FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, saw potential in the partnership. However, turns out, there was something else brewing behind the screen. As per the Concorde Agreement in force currently, any new entrant must pay $200 million to the existing teams as an anti-dilution fee. The incumbent 10 teams are demanding much higher than that, though. How much you ask? Triple the stipulated amount. Unsurprisingly, American fans are far from amused and have suggested an alternative move to the former F1 champion.
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Earlier, when Andretti expressed a desire to jump into the F1 pool, many F1 teams expressed their reservations against it. As per Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, the main concern for existing teams was the dilution of their share in the annual prize money. Since then, many urged them to buy a team out. Sauber looked like it was looking for a potential buyer, but the tie-up with Audi means they are not anymore. The only potential team, for now, looks to be AlphaTauri. It would now be exciting to see if Michael is interested in the deal or if he is still firm on floating the 11th challenger in the championship.
NASCAR fans present an alternative to Michael Andretti after the latest F1 snub
Motorsport.com recently broke the news of existing F1 teams demanding $600 million from the Andretti-Cadillac partnership. After opposing their entry multiple times in the past, the latest ask has angered fans a lot more. Many feel the American giants should give up on the F1 dream and instead concentrate on investing more in American motorsports.
Have a look at some reactions from Twitter.
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At this point andretti don't even go to F1 just come to NASCAR at least the teams won't treat you like this BS 6 million on an entry fee is ridiculous and a dick move to you guys You guys deserve better than that just come to NASCAR.
Rivals pushing to triple Andretti F1 entry fee to $600 million - @Motorsport motorsport.com/f1/news/rivals…
He should just buy 4 #NASCAR charters lol
Rivals pushing to triple Andretti F1 entry fee to $600 million - @Motorsport motorsport.com/f1/news/rivals…
One fan correctly pointed out to the $200 million anti-dilution fee, which is in force since the current Concorde Agreement was signed in August 2020 and has been in force since 2021. The argument that existing teams pose is that F1’s value has grown multifold ever since they signed the agreement and therefore, it was only fair that the anti-dilution fee is raised.
OK. Hear me out, here... At this point I've got a better idea... Take the money and pump it into @IndyCar. Requires a rule change that opens up the rules, but if F1 is resistant to competition, something that will make them better, then it's VERY important Indycar pounce on that
Rivals pushing to triple Andretti F1 entry fee to $600 million - @Motorsport motorsport.com/f1/news/rivals…
F1 has done anything and everything to keep a new team out of their boys club.
Rivals pushing to triple Andretti F1 entry fee to $600 million - @Motorsport motorsport.com/f1/news/rivals…
Each F1 team talks about the immense benefit the championship will gain through another American team (the first one being Haas). However, they continue to put barriers to their entry. One user wanted them to take a firm stance on whether they wanted Andretti in the competition.
F1 imo really are not making themselves look good playing these ridiculous games anymore. Either come right out and say you don't want them on the grid for your money pit you got, or just come out and say why you're doing this at them.
Rivals pushing to triple Andretti F1 entry fee to $600 million - @Motorsport motorsport.com/f1/news/rivals…
Some fans were of the opinion that the Italian-American family should just make a move to buy AlphaTauri and enter through them.
So he should just make AlphaTauri an offer they can't refuse
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How much would it cost to buy Alpha Tauri?
What do you think about the whole saga? Are existing teams being unreasonable in their ask or is it fair given how much F1’s value has grown in the last few years? Should Michael just buy AlphaTauri out and put an end to all the drama?