Fernando Alonso has backed Formula 1’s small teams amid the ongoing financial situation which has already resulted in the loss of to teams this season.
With the grid looking likely to reduce to 18 cars next year – unless either Caterham or Marussia can find buyers – the threat of a smaller grid or three-car teams is now on the agenda.
Alonso, who started his career at Minardi, believes small teams are essential for F1 and for rookie drivers and says he’s hopeful a solution can be found to save them.
“I started with a small team, Minardi, all the drivers [should have] the same possibility to start with small teams,” the two-time champion told Autosport.
“We need everyone in the sport – more teams and more things happening around F1 will help. Hopefully we will find a solution.
“I don’t exactly know what are the problems and what are the possible solutions, but I know that everyone has tried to meet to find a solution and I’m sure they will do the best for the sport, and we will support [them].”
The Spaniard isn’t sure what to make of third cars though should F1 be forced into bulking up the grid with more cars and fewer teams.
“I don’t know, it’s something that we’ve never had,” he said. “If that happens it’s because they think that is the best solution.
“But I don’t really have a strong opinion on the third car [idea] because it will be quite new and I don’t know if it’s the best [solution] or not.”
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