https://www.the-race...-one-is-needed/
From this article here. He's mentioned it a few times since 2024 but the first time here in any detail. Otmar is planning another new entry for F1.
Some quotes from the article below
“So I think there's room for a 12th team. And if a 12th team does happen, I want to be prepared, in order to be the successful bidder for the 12th team. So that's what I've been working on.”
“There's definitely enough space for 12 teams,” he said. “I think 24 cars on track is better than 22, and 12 teams is better than 11. But there's definitely room, physical space, and if those 12 teams can all be competitive and share the glory of winning, it's even better if you have 24 drivers."
“Cadillac was given the 11th spot,” he said. “I believe there were five bidders or five applicants for that spot, and one was chosen by the FIA, which was Cadillac, and eventually by F1, or Liberty.
“So I would imagine when they open up the bidding process for that 12th team, there will be more than one applicant. So I want to be in a position to make sure that my application will be the best amongst those that will apply.”
It seems that he is talking to some investors but rather than say Gunther Steiner convincing Gene Haas so he can be involved in F1 again - Otmar wants this to be his team, not just one he is setting up for someone else. Numerous comments of being an owner/team principal. It's an interesting strategy.
I do think that when a tender is opened there will be again much competition. Carlin, Hitech are some but it is hard to see any team getting approved these days that is not a manufacturer entry. Things have come out recently that the Andretti name itself was a sticking point for Liberty. Only approving the entry once they changed their name to Cadillac.
