Otmar Szafnauer wants to lead a 12th team

Cadillac's imminent arrival as the 11th team on the grid seems to be giving ideas to many other investors. Starting in 2026, the American manufacturer will join the grid, initially powered by Ferrari, before trusting General Motors from 2029. Solidified after numerous obstacles encountered on its path, Cadillac's tortuous project does not reject ambitions coming from outside.

On the sidelines of the Fuelling the City's Global Spotlight event held before the start of the weekend, Otmar Szafnauer delivered his first sporting and organizational arguments. “In 28 years, there was a time when there were 12 teams in F1, he recalled. And before I arrived – I signed my contract (with the BAR team. Ed.) in 1997 and I arrived in 1998 – there were even more, at the time when there were pre-qualifications.

"So I think there's room for a twelfth team. And if a twelfth team materializes, I want to be ready to be the successful candidate," he added., highlighting the few places currently available in the discipline. There's definitely enough room for 12 teams. I think 24 cars on track is better than 22, and 12 teams is better than 11. But there's definitely room, physical space, and if those 12 teams can all be competitive and share the glory of victory, it's even better with 24 drivers.

Szafnauer hopes for a new call for tenders

The former director of the stable Alpine seems to be clinging to the hope of Cadillac's arrival in 2026. More specifically, Mohammed Ben Sulayem's stated desire to open up the previously particularly closed discipline could give scope to this project.

"Cadillac was chosen eleventh. I think there were five candidates, and one of them was chosen by the FIA, Cadillac, then by F1, or Liberty, Otmar Szafnauer recalled. So I imagine that when the call for tenders for this 12th team is launched, several applications will be submitted. So I want to be sure that my application will be the best among those selected."

Taking the example of Toto wolff, stable director Mercedes, but also a 33% owner of the team, the Romanian-American has expressed his willingness to wear both hats if the opportunity arises. At this stage, no concrete breach has been opened by F1 with a view to the arrival of an eleventh team. However, the numerous regulatory changes to come beyond 2026 could lead to further statements of this kind.

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