Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested that Andretti should consider purchasing another team in order to enter the F1 grid.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has advised Andretti Cadillac to “go and buy another team” to join the F1 grid in a surprise U-turn from his previous stance.
Ben Sulayem, who spearheaded the initiative to increase the F1 field by introducing the Expressions of Interest process in 2023 to invite potential entries for new teams, has changed his stance. He now asserts that the number of teams on the grid is less significant than the quality they bring to the sport.
FIA president advises Andretti Cadillac ‘go and buy another team’ for F1 entry
After successfully meeting the FIA’s requirements to compete in Formula 1, Andretti collaborated with Cadillac, a General Motors brand, to develop an entry for the prestigious racing event. Unfortunately, despite progressing in talks with Formula One Management, the entry was ultimately rejected in January.
Several team principals have voiced their opposition to expanding the grid, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner commenting over the Monaco weekend that the “natural solution” for Andretti to join F1 would be to buy an existing team.
According to reports, the current Concorde Agreement permits a maximum of 12 teams to participate in Formula 1, with new teams obligated to pay a $200m entry fee to join. However, ongoing discussions for the next Concorde Agreement indicate that this fee could potentially triple due to the immense success of the sport in recent times.
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The FIA president, who had previously supported grid expansion, stating that the circumstances were favorable, now clarified why he believed it was better for Andretti-Cadillac to acquire an existing team, particularly considering the challenges faced by other teams on the grid.
“I have no doubt FOM and Liberty [Media] would love to see other teams as long as they are OEMs [original equipment manufacturers],” Ben Sulayem told Reuters.
“I would advise them [Andretti] to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team.
In my opinion, there is a need to rejuvenate certain teams. What would be preferable? To have a total of 11 teams, or to have 10 teams that are all strong? Personally, I maintain the belief that increasing the number of teams is beneficial, but it should only be done with the right teams.
“It’s the quality that matters, not the quantity.”
There are certain teams currently facing difficulties, both in terms of performance and management, but their names will not be disclosed.
The key is to assemble the right team, ensuring that no opportunity is missed when someone of GM’s caliber with a powerful unit joins Formula 1.
Just envision the influence. With three races in America and an immense fan following, the impact would be remarkable.
“We currently lack a legitimate [U.S.] team, but it brings me immense joy to have Ford on board with Red Bull starting from 2026. Just picture the possibilities of having GM and American drivers alongside them.”
Andretti has persevered with their F1 plans, even after their F1 entry was formally rejected. Last month, they took a significant step forward by establishing a UK base in Silverstone, which serves as the venue for the renowned British Grand Prix.
Last week, the team made a significant announcement, revealing the addition of Pat Symonds, a highly regarded technical boss known for his World Championship successes with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso. This move is widely considered a major triumph for the project.
After completing his gardening leave with Formula 1, where he held the position of chief technical officer and was responsible for the transition to ground effect cars for the F1 2022 season since 2017, Symonds will join Andretti and commence his role.
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