The FIA ​​president wants more teams and fewer races in Formula 1

FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem (pictured right) is somewhat optimistic about the Andretti Cadillac Team’s arrival in Formula 1 by 2025/26, with the American team now entering the process of commercial negotiations with FOM after receiving approval from the FIA.

Last week, the FIA ​​gave its approval to Andretti’s bid to enter Formula 1, after the American company linked up with the Cadillac brand of American car giant General Motors. On the other hand, the FIA ​​rejected three other potential candidates, including New Zealand’s Rodan Cars, saying they did not meet all the necessary criteria.

Faced with the very likely arrival of an 11th team on the Formula 1 grid, the bosses of already existing teams have been very reluctant to welcome a new team, in particular because they would then have to share the cake with an additional segment.

Formula 1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media will have the final say on Andretti’s acceptance, but Ben Sulayem appears to be wary of challenging the FIA’s approval.

“It’s very difficult to say no to a team that has been approved by the FIA. » Mohammed bin Sulayem told Reuters last weekend in Qatar.

“You can call me an optimist, I still am. I think so.” He added when asked if he thought Andretti would get the green light from FOM to join the F1 grid.

Currently, existing teams in Formula 1 are opposed to the arrival of a new team as it would reduce their revenue share and also dilute their overall value. However, although most are against it, the teams have no say and only the FIA ​​and Formula 1 can make the decision to bring in a new team.

Bin Sulayem noted that current Formula 1 rules allow up to twelve teams on the grid and that the sport would benefit from the arrival of new car manufacturers: “I think the FIA ​​should beg and ask the manufacturers to intervene. » The President of the International Automobile Federation added.

“We shouldn’t tell them no. If you ask me what my dream is? It’s about filling the twelve places [de la grille] And to have an American team from the manufacturer and a power unit and a driver from there, and then go to China, perhaps, and ask for the same thing. »

Recently, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said that any potential candidate would have to buy an existing team to enter the sport, but for Ben Sulayem, the FIA ​​does not have the power or desire to force a candidate to buy another team.

“You can’t force Andretti/GM to buy another team just because the current owners want to sell.” The President of the International Automobile Federation added.

“I won’t name names, but they wanted me to convince the GM to do it. It’s not my job, and I wasn’t elected to do it. I’m not a middleman.”

Another issue raised by teams currently in Formula 1 regarding the possible arrival of a new team is the lack of space on certain circuits on the calendar such as Monaco or Zandvoort.

But Mohammed bin Sulayem insisted that the various circuits visited should have enough venues to accommodate twelve teams. He takes as an example the eleventh team seen this year at certain circuits, the one being used as a location for an upcoming Hollywood film. Feature film about Formula 1.

“We are allowed to have twelve teams. Some people said it would be too crowded, really? However, we already have a Hollywood team with us.”

“The circuits are supposed to have enough space and garage for twelve teams. I think the number of races is quite large, but not the number of teams. We need more teams and fewer races.”