F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Binotto reveals Ferrari's interest in potential IndyCar entry!

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto has revealed that the Italian manufacturer is considering an entry into IndyCar, possibly as soon as 2022, as a means for the Scuderia to deploy its excess F1 resources.

The introduction next season of Formula 1's budget cap, fixed at $145 million, will leave Ferrari with a surplus of staff devoted to its racing efforts and the necessity to restructure part of its racing department.

In order to avoid painful and costly layoffs, Ferrari is investigating other categories of racing where it could direct engineering resources.

The World Endurance Championship is one arena currently being looked at by Ferrari, but Binotto confirmed that Ferrari was also doing its due diligence on IndyCar.

So Mario Andretti's recent plea for Maranello to get involved in the US series as a chassis or engine manufacturer might well become a reality in the future.

"Ferrari feels a lot of social responsibility towards its employees and we want to be sure that for each of them there will be a workspace in the future," Binotto told Sky Italia;

"For this reason we have started to evaluate alternative programs, and I confirm that we are looking at IndyCar, which is currently a very different category from ours [F1] but with a change of regulation scheduled in 2022 [introduction of hybrid engines].

"We also observe the world of endurance racing and other series [as options. We will try to make the best choice."

Ferrari's interest in IndyCar notwithstanding, there is a barrier to entry to the series as current regulations only allow two engine manufacturers - Honda and Chevrolet - and one chassis manufacturer - Dallara.

The Scuderia's involvement, to be concrete, would therefore require a significant regulation change from IndyCar, and a commitment from Ferrari, as an engine supplier, to power one third of the grid.

(Rendering seen here above produced by graphic and livery designer Sean Bull)

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Marko: ‘No chance at all’ for Red Bull in Las Vegas

Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…

3 hours ago

GM revives bid to join F1 with accelerated talks for 2026 entry

Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…

4 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

6 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

7 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

8 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

9 hours ago