Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA president, switched his opinion on Andretti Cadillac entry to Formula 1. He suggests it to “go and buy another team” rather than direct admission to F1.
F1 rejected Andretti bid to enter F1 after accepting its application, but on a technical basis for 2026.
Ben Sulayem remained a top supporter of expanding F1 grid beyond 10 teams. It opened a tender process for teams, which Adretti passed.
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“We have a contract, and our contract says we have up to 12 teams,” he told Autosport last year. “So, we are not breaking the rules. We are, on the contrary, fulfilling the rules.”
He wished to have added more teams to the F1, especially by adding entrants from US or China. However, his ambition had remained at odds with F1 management and Liberty Media, which owns the F1. The F1 stakeholders believe that the Andretti would not bring significant competition or value to it.
While speaking to the press in Monaco, Ben Sulayem shifted his stance that Michael Andretti must buy another team.
He added, “I have no doubt FOM and Liberty would love to see other teams as long as they are OEMs.
“I would advise [Andretti] to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team.
“I feel that some teams need to be refreshed. What is better? To have 11 teams as a number or 10 and they are strong?
“I still believe we should have more teams but not any teams. The right teams. It’s not about the number, it’s about the quality.”
Ben Sulayem is open to welcoming Andretti & its partner, General Motors. He believes that both partners would bring more competition to the F1.
“Without mentioning names, there are teams which are struggling. Struggling with performance, struggling even with management,” he added.
“It’s about having the right team, not to lose a chance or an opportunity where someone like GM with a PU is coming to Formula 1.
“Imagine the impact. We have three races in America. We have such a huge fan base. But we don’t have a proper [US] team. I’m so happy to have Ford in [with Red Bull] but imagine having GM and imagine having [more] American drivers.”
