F2 Team Preparing For F1 Entry As Potential Mercedes Powertrain Partner
It has been revealed that another F1 team is on the horizon to join the grid. Hitech GP's top-secret F1 project has been leaked, and it's nothing short of mind-blowing.
According to RacingNews365.com, Hitech's project, codenamed H26, is already well underway. Wind tunnel testing is in full swing, using none other than the former Mercedes facility in Silverstone.
Hitech, which currently competes in F2 and F3, is reportedly in talks with Mercedes for a powertrain partnership, which could see them replace Aston Martin Racing as a Mercedes customer.
The potential new team are reported to be using the 2022/2023 F1 models for their aerodynamic preparations before the first set of 2026 regulations will be released in June 2024. It is also thought that the design of the chassis is already underway.
It is currently unclear when we might see Hitech on the grid, however, with the deadline for the Expression of Interest (EoI) with the FIA set for May 15 2023, they will need to wait for approval before moving forward.
Andretti Autosport has previously said they would like to aim for 2025 but it would more likely be 2026 before they were able to join the grid. So, we could expect a similar timescale for Hitech.
It is worth noting that no additional teams have been approved through the Expressions of Interest process yet, however, it is clear the hopeful teams are preparing in the event they are approved.
The news of additional teams was met with some backlash from the current team chiefs, but the FIA and Liberty Media are actively open to the idea.