Best guess is that we’ll know soon, perhaps even this weekend.
With the United States Grand Prix coming up this weekend, you would think that the season-long fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen would be the story dominating Formula 1 news. Well, it is. But perhaps the bigger story of the weekend could be the 80 percent takeover of the Italian-sponsored Sauber team by Andretti Motorsport, which could have American Colton Herta take the last seat in Formula 1 for the 2022 season.
Herta would need to qualify for a super license to make that happen, but there’s more to this evolving story. It begins with the answer to this question: Why is Michael Andretti so interested in this squad?
First, Andretti has already explored two other options with Hass and Williams. Hass already has American sponsorship with assistance from a Russian potash firm and Ferrari, and the team has two rookie drivers in place. On the other hand, Williams was purchased last season by an American firm, Dorilton Capital, and would not think–at least for the moment–to share a business deal with a name as famous as Andretti.
For some time, observers thought Haas would be the better chance because the nationality of both companies is the same. However, the rejection shows that Gene Haas wants to keep his team around for a few more seasons, assuming that next season’s new cars can turn things around.
Still, although the company is owned primarily by Swiss firm Longbow Finance, which includes many Swedish investors, many think it would be crazy for them to sell at this point. AMG Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is one.
Toto Wolff (photo courtesy Formula 1.com)
“The team (Sauber) will be worth much more in one year and even more in two years,” he said. “F1 is booming. They will earn a bit more this year than in 2019, so the teams will get the full pay-out. Many countries are lining up to host a Grand Prix. A regulation change is coming up, giving equal opportunities, and the budget cap… nobody knows who will win. This generates more interest, which means more money, and that means the team’s worth increases. If I were them, I definitely would not sell now.”
The story about this takeover has been circulating for a few weeks, and the real story will come out this week when the two parties are expected to talk again in Austin. If the deal is only rumored or talks fail, then the second driver to join Valtteri Bottas next season should be announced soon.
However, if this deal does happen (whether this week or later), it could mean a second sponsored U.S. team. That move, should it happen, would go a long way toward increasing F1 popularity in America.
