New ‘Panthera’ Team Could Join F1 in 2021
There hasn’t been a new team to join Formula One since Haas F1 in 2015, but that could change by 2021. According to RaceFans, a new outfit called Panthera Team Asia F1 is looking to join the grid in time for the new regulations.
Currently operating out of temporary headquarters near the Silverstone circuit that hosts the British Grand Prix, Panthera was co-founded by Benjamin Durand, a former managing director of SMP Racing and BR Engineering in the World Endurance Championship.
The team has already filled several important positions, such as technical director and sporting director. Notably, the head of aerodynamics is Tim Milne, a man with extensive prior experience in F1 at numerous teams including Caterham, Honda, Manor, Renault, Super Aguri, and Toyota.
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RaceFans says the team intends to “follow the ‘Haas model’ of obtaining as many parts as it can through third party suppliers,” though there is currently at least two obstacles in the way of this. The first is that the technical regulations for 2021 are unlikely to be confirmed for another two months, and that the new 2021 rules may also limit the extent to which a team can outsource parts. Indeed, some teams have complained that both Haas and Ferrari, who supplies the American team with many parts, have benefitted too much from the partnership.
Panthera has not yet formally approached the FIA to enter F1 but is expected to do so after the 2021 regulations are published and the FIA issues its invitation for new teams to participate in the season.
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News Source: RaceFans
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