The 2016 Formula 1 grid will not expand beyond Haas’ entry after the FIA rejected applications from two potential new candidates.
The FIA had opened up the selection process to find new teams for 2016 in an attempt to boost the grid following the loss of both HRT and Caterham.
However in the wake of their demise, the entry conditions were toughened up and the two new applicants failed to meet the new critera, according to a statement from the governing body.
“We can confirm that the FIA received two candidate Formula 1 team applications for vacant grid slots.
“We subsequently put these through our comprehensive diligence processes.
“Unfortunately none of the applicants were able to meet the FIA’s criteria for new teams despite being granted every opportunity of doing so, and we now consider this round of applications to be closed.”
It’s not believed that GP2 outfit ART Grand Prix was amongst the candidates, despite speculation the team is looking to make the jump to F1 with the backing of McLaren.
With the addition of the Haas F1 team, 11 teams will contest the 2016 F1 world championship.
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