Brundle: F1 grid of 20 cars 'not quite enough of a show'

Martin Brundle believes that Formula 1 would benefit by having a field of 24 cars in the future as the sport's current grid is "not quite enough of a show" for the Sky F1 commentator.

This week, the FIA formally launched the new application process that will allow prospective F1 teams to apply for a spot on the grid in the future.

So far, Andretti-Cadillac is the only outfit that has publicly disclosed its ambition to join the fray.

However, Formula 1 offered a cold reception to Michael Andretti's plans and to the principle of expanding Grand Prix racing's franchises beyond its current number of ten teams, as any additional entity would inevitably dilute the sport's prize fund.

But Brundle argues in favor of eventually boosting F1's ranks from 10 to 12 teams, an expansion that would only enhance the show on the track according to the former F1 charger.

"Getting more teams in is a logistical thing as well as a financial aspect," said Brundle on Sky Sports F1. "You know, will they fit in the pit lane, the paddock, on the grid?

"How many cars do we need? I think 24 cars will be great personally, we’ve got 29 races this season, 23 grands prix and six sprint races with 20 cars on the grid.

"I don’t think it’s quite enough of a show, personally, and opportunity."

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Commenting on Ford's partnership with Red Bull that will kick off in 2026, Brundle says the American automotive giant's involvement is in line with the branding deals previously set up by the Milton Keynes' based outfit with other manufacturers.

"If you look at the Ford thing, it’s a halfway house really – it’s an interesting one," said Brundle.

"Red Bull had Infiniti on for a while, then it had Aston Martin on the side of it for a while before Aston got their own team, so this is a branding thing.

"What I find most interesting here is all of the world’s car manufacturers are totally focused on electric cars, EVs, coming up.

"And yet if you look at the Ford announcement today, they love the idea of the technology, sustainability, sustainable fuels and the opportunity and then, basically, eyeballs – the number of people who are watching Formula 1 now who are not watching other formula with just battery power, for example.

"So it’s interesting that they’re even wanting to be involved in Formula 1, but it’s just the might that it has at the moment. So they’re coming in in different ways."

Overall, six manufacturers – Ferrari, Mercedes, Alpine, Red Bull Powertrains Ford, Audi and Honda – have signed up to become engine suppliers to F1 from 2026.

Brundle believes the collections of OEM attracted by F1 will only further strengthen the sport's massively solid foundation moving forward.

"So what we do know it looks like we’ve got six original equipment manufacturers, OEMs, as they’re called, signed up for the new 2026 motor," he said.

"I did an interview about the new Brawn documentary coming out and back in 2008, 2009, Honda pulled out, we lost Super Aguri at the same time.

"The following year, BMW pulled out, then Toyota withdrew completely, and we were terrified where that was all heading and maybe we’re going to have to get Cosworth motors in and Judd motors in.

"And suddenly here we are with six manufacturers signed up for the long term. So, overall, really good news for F1."

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