A Campos Racing Team-led effort is said to be working towards an F1 entry in 2021 but officials say that no team is close to a deal
Formula 1 officials have denied suggestions that a Spanish team is close to securing a place on the grid in 2021.
Pascal Wehrlein and Spanish SuperFormula driver Alex Palou were said to have been the potential drivers in an effort pushed by current Formula 2 and F3 outfit, Campos Racing.
A press release from the fledgling project claimed that the team is at “an advanced stage of negotiations with current Formula 1 teams and engine manufacturers” to form a partnership for the 2021 season.
It also said that representatives had met with Chase Carey, F1’s CEO and Ross Brawn, the F1 director of motorsport.
But a statement released hours later by F1’s owners said that no new team was about to enter the sport.
“Following publicity in recent days from several entities that have indicated their ambition to participate in the FIA Formula 1 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,” it said.
The Spanish team is backed by a group linked to a driver management company in Monaco, Monaco Increase Management (MIM), which is partnered with Campos.
Former Super Aguri and Brawn GP aerodynamicist Ben Wood and former F1 chief designer and Formula E technical director Peter McCool have been hired to lead the entry.
The press release, from MIM, claimed that “a Spanish team would fill a void left by the retirement of Fernando Alonso, and increase the interest of the Spanish fans”.
Related content
“Joining the Formula 1 World Championship in 2021 shall be a long-term project,” Campos CEO, Salvatore Gandolfo said.
“We are aware of the big challenges ahead of us, but we have a team of experts working day and night and the financial solidity required by the FIA to make this project a success.
“With the new budget cap, the new distribution of incomes and the new technical and sporting regulations, there is a great opportunity for smaller teams to compete and ultimately to make the FIA Formula 1 World Championship more interesting and balanced again”.
Campos previously attempted to put together an entry into F1 back in 2010.
The team would eventually become HRT in an effort that lasted just three seasons between 2010 and 2012.
Following the announcement that McLaren would be returning to Mercedes power for the 2021 season, it leaves Renault with a potential vacancy for supplying power units to a customer team.
This article was updated with a statement from F1, so some comments below may refer to an earlier version.
Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz would have made for a stellar Red Bull driver line-up in 2025. Adam Cooper reveals why it extended Sergio Perez's contract early in the year — but has now apparently changed its mind
In Abu Dhabi, McLaren was crowned F1 constructors' champion for the first time since its MP4-13 delivered the title 26 years ago. Matt Bishop recalls what made Adrian Newey's first McLaren masterpiece 'seriously rock'
2024 has been the most competitive F1 season on record – but which driver has been the best this year? We rank them all
All ten F1 teams are back in action in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday for 2024 post-season testing, with at least 13 rookie drivers appearing on track. Here's everything you need to know about each one