Lando Norris believes adding new teams to the Formula 1 grid would be a “good thing”.
F1 has had its current 10-team field since 2017, following the collapse of Manor, but there has been talk of that number increasing to 12 in the coming years.
Currently, Andretti is the only potential new entry actively seeking to join the grid in 2024, while Audi and even Honda have been rumoured as considering a works team from 2026.
“I mean, I think it’d be good,” Norris said of expanding the grid.
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“I see more cars as probably a good thing. Not too many more, but I think if it’s 22 or 24, I think that’s a decent amount. I think that’s what it used to be a few years ago when I kind of grew up watching Formula 1. So I think that’s great.
“More opportunities, I guess, for people to get into Formula 1 too and, if it’s for someone like Colton [Herta], then it’s fully deserved.”
Having mentioned the IndyCar driver, Norris then opened up on his experience with the California native during their time together in British F4.
“I was his teammate back in 2015 and we have a lot of great memories together and I know how good a driver he is,” the McLaren driver said.
“I think he’s showing that in IndyCar at the minute. So I think it’s different driving styles, I think he would have to adapt.
“He’s not known maybe to be a tyre lover, and that’s something you would have to get used to when he comes and drives on Pirellis.
“But, apart from that, you know, he’s got a lot of talent. He’s a lovely guy, [and a] hard worker as well. And I think he’s very suited to be able to perform at the level you need to be in Formula 1.”
Herta took part in his first F1 test with McLaren at Portimao earlier this week, and there was one element of his driving that really got Lando’s attention.
“I mean, his nickname is ‘Hooligan Herta’ because there’s one place he was extremely strong and that’s high-speed corners,” he explained.
What an amazing 2 days! First taste of a Formula One car was sweet. Thank you @McLarenF1 for the opportunity???? pic.twitter.com/2eYO8dbOja
— Colton Herta (@ColtonHerta) July 12, 2022
“I feel like I’m decent, one of my strengths is pretty high-speed corners, but he was just like another level in some sorts.
“He would quite often go off because of it and maybe not crash, but just go through the gravel and we’d have to clean his car after because of how much dirt there was on it. But yeah, lovely guy, of course.”
