Two new teams for F1 to replace the two bankrupt ones

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone says that there could be two new teams joining the competition from next season.

The FIA, the sport’s governing body, announced in December that it was seeking expressions of interest from potential new entrants and has purportedly received applications from two strong candidates.

The first of these is rumored to be from Gene Haas, one half of the successful Stewart-Haas Racing team that competes in the NASCAR series, with the second from former Hispania and Midland team principal Colin Kolles’ StefanGP.

“I think they have asked to be admitted," Ecclestone said when asked about Haas.

“They will be accepted, and we’ve also accepted another team as well, although whether they’ll make it or not is another story.

“But we are happy to have another couple of teams. I’ve spoken to (FIA president) Jean Todt and we agreed yesterday.

“Another two teams want to come in, we’ll let them in."

The FIA had been due to announce a decision by the end of February, but has yet to make an official announcement while it continues to perform due diligence on the applicants.