Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, where the best drivers and engineers compete for glory and prestige. But how many teams are actually involved in this elite sport? And what are the rules and challenges that they face?
Who Are The Formula 1 Teams In 2023
Currently, ten F1 teams are competing for the 2023 Championship
Each team has two drivers, which means that there are 20 cars on the grid for each race.
| 2023 Position | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Bull Racing | Honda |
| 2 | Aston Martin Aramco | Mercedes |
| 3 | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 4 | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 5 | McLaren / Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 6 | Alpine | Renault |
| 7 | Haas / Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 8 | Alfa Romeo | Ferrari |
| 9 | Alphatauri | Honda |
| 10 | Williams | Mercedes |
The number of teams is limited to thirteen as the rules only allow twenty-six drivers on the track during a race. This is to ensure safety and fairness for all participants. However, there have been times when more or less than ten teams have taken part in F1.
The history of F1 dates back to 1950, when the first World Championship was held. Since then, there have been many changes in the sport, including the number of teams. The highest number of teams was in 1989, when there were 20 teams. The lowest number was in 1961 and 1966, when there were only 5 teams.
The number of teams fluctuates depending on various factors, such as the economic situation, the technical regulations, the entry fees, and the competitiveness of the sport. Sometimes, new teams join F1 with ambitious plans and hopes, but they fail to survive due to lack of funding or performance. Other times, existing teams merge or split due to strategic reasons or disagreements.
The Challenges of F1 Teams
Being an F1 team is not an easy task. It requires a lot of resources, expertise, and dedication. F1 teams have to design, build, test, and develop their cars throughout the season. They also have to manage their operations at the factory and at the race track. They have to deal with logistics, politics, media, sponsors, and fans.
F1 teams also have to comply with the rules and regulations set by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de L’Automobile), which is the governing body of F1. The FIA sets the technical and sporting regulations that define the specifications of the cars and the conduct of the races. The FIA also monitors and enforces these rules through inspections and penalties.
One of the main challenges that F1 teams face is the cost of competing in F1. According to some estimates, the average annual budget of an F1 team is around $200 million. However, some teams spend much more than that, while others spend much less. This creates a gap between the top teams and the bottom teams in terms of performance and results.
To address this issue, the FIA has introduced a budget cap for F1 teams starting from 2021. The budget cap limits the amount of money that teams can spend on certain areas of their operations, such as research and development, production, personnel, and travel. The budget cap for 2022 is set at $145 million, but it excludes some items such as driver salaries, marketing costs, and engine development.
Hopefully the budget cap levels the playing field for all teams and make F1 more sustainable and attractive for new entrants. However, it also poses some challenges for teams that have to adapt their structures and strategies to fit within the cap.
The Future of F1 Teams
The number and composition of F1 teams may change in the future depending on various factors. Some teams may decide to leave or join F1 due to financial or competitive reasons. Over the years certain teams may undergo changes in ownership or management due to mergers or acquisitions. Some teams may form alliances or partnerships with other teams or manufacturers.
The FIA issues a period in which any new teams who wish to join can apply. Then FIA checks whether they have a substantial plan & finances then grants them the entry2. The last time a new team joined F1 was in 2016, when Haas F1 Team entered the sport.
The future of F1 teams also depends on the evolution of the sport itself. The FIA and the teams are constantly working together to improve F1 in terms of safety, entertainment, innovation, and sustainability.
