New entries just 'more cars to lap' - Horner

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has said that any future team entries into Formula 1 would just mean "more cars to lap."

The comments come in response to Liberty Media's intentions to attract new entries into the sport by means of the 2021 regulations.

Liberty Media CEO Chase Carey has spoken of his desire to expand the grid back up to 24 cars for the 2021 season, a grid number not seen since the 2012 season. Horner, speaking at Friday's team principal press conference in Melbourne is skeptical of the idea, citing recent unsuccessful attempts to expand the current grid.

“We’ve got 10 teams that are in pretty decent health at the moment compared to previous years and I think that as we are seeing, when the grid is expanded, none of those teams that came in a few years ago are still here today." Horner said.

“I think we’ve got a good balance at the moment. I would prefer that we look after what we’ve got and have good quality and a closer grid than just inviting more entries for the sake of filling the grid slots and being more cars to lap.”

However, Mercedes' Toto Wolff and Renault's Cyril Abitebul were far more positive on the idea, but were adamant that maintaining the current grid entries should take priority before any expansion is considered.

“It’s important that the starting grid looks complete and that for the live spectators that you see lots of cars going around the track,” Wolff commented. "But I think we are in a decent place right now for Formula 1 and the value of the teams is more important, to keep those franchises limited to attract the best brands to enter or participate in existing teams. I think that is the most important thing.

“What’s important is the number of teams that are competitive and can really directly contribute to the show and can pretend that they are expecting to win,” Abitebul added. “But if there is a business model which is sustainable for 12 competitive teams, I think that that should be what is looked at."