A Monaco-based management company together with Campos Racing is eyeing an entry in F1 World Championship from 2021 season onward.
Following the news around another team named ‘Panthera Team Asia F1’, planning to join the world championship, a new outfit has put itself on the stage which intends to fill the void left by two-time champion Fernando Alonso in Spain.
Monaco Increase Management owner Salvatore Gandolfo has announced its intention to join the F1 grid from 2021 onward in association with Campos – owned and run by former F1 racer, Adrian Campos. The team had supported HRT’s brief stint in F1.
The release from the proposed team states that the initial talks were held with Chase Carey during the Spanish GP on May 11 and carried on in F1’s HQ in London with Ross Brawn on May 15 and July 31, with the idea of having a full-fledged Spanish team.
It also states that experienced F1 aerodynamicist Ben Wood (owner of Dynamique) and ex-Super Aguri chief designer Peter McCool (owner of Shape) are part of the project already as Chief Aerodynamicist and Technical Director, respectively.
The company currently manages Ferrari simulator and Mahindra Formula E driver Pascal Wehrlein and Super Formula racer Alex Palou along with upcoming star David Vidales. The release states the former two as the potential drivers of the team.
At the current stage, ‘a team of professional engineers with F1 backgrounds are conducting preliminary research for its entry in the championship, while it states that they are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with various suppliers including engine.
With Mercedes and Ferrari already in full quota, the suppliers could be Renault and or Honda – with the former set to have its lone factory team running the power unit from 2021. The deal with the Japanese manufacturer will depend on Red Bull.
In case, they go ahead with the F1 team, the release has clarified that Campos will continue its activities in Formula 2 and Formula 3 respectively, where it ran drivers like Jack Aitken, Marino Sato, Sebastien Fernandez, Alessio Deledda and Alexander Peroni.
UPDATE: Following the news regarding intentions of the two teams to join the F1 grid from 2021 onward, the official statement from the sport ‘appreciates’ the ideas but confirms that there are no serious talks regarding their entry as this juncture.
“Following publicity in recent days from several entities that have indicated their ambition to participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship from 2021, while Formula 1 appreciates their interest, we can confirm that there are no serious discussions with any persons or companies about the admission of a new team.”
Here’s how the lone Spanish F1 driver Carlos Sainz fared in Russia
Check out how Alex Palou performed in Okayama Super Formula round