F1
FIA insists on seeing Andretti in F1: 'How on earth can we refuse GM?' »
Mohammed Ben Sulayem pushes to see Andretti in Formula 1 © Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
Here is a new episode in the saga around the arrival of Andretti in Formula 1. The American team, present in multiple disciplines in motorsport (IndyCar, Formula E, Endurance…) has been trying to enter the premier category for two years now.
The structure managed by Michael Andretti is preparing behind the scenes: the team has concluded a partnership with the General Motors group via the Cadillac brand to support his candidacy (with engines Alpine rebadged Cadillac). Andretti also confirmed the arrival of Nick Chester as technical director.
The team based in Indianapolis is still aiming to arrive in the discipline in 2026 – it has also submitted its application to the FIA in the process of entering F1 – but is coming up against the refusal of Liberty Media and the reluctance of the teams already in place.
However, Andretti can count on strong support: Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The former pilot of rally-raid has once again expressed itself in favor of the arrival of Andretti in Formula 1. According to Ben Sulayem, F1 cannot justify refusing the arrival of a group as important as General Motors in the category.
“People need to understand that we are here to promote motorsport and we are here to be fair. The expression of interest process is very robust and there are no circumstances where we can refuse a team if they meet the entry criteria”, declared the president of the FIA to the AP agency.
“So imagine saying no to someone like GM? The regulations provide that we can have up to 12 teams. I'm not breaking the rules. But do we allow anyone to register? No. But how on earth can we refuse GM? Where is the common sense in all this? GM is a heavyweight and if they come with Andretti, it's good for all of us. »
Liberty Media soon in favor of an 11th team?
If Andretti is not yet in favor with Liberty Media, the situation could soon change. Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media and F1 commercial rights, recently came out in favor of the expansion of the grid to an 11th team despite opposition from current teams. Mohammed Ben Sulayem was pleased to see that Liberty Media had softened its position and indicated that the FIA was currently examining numerous requests.
The FIA president also spoke about the reluctance of the ten Formula 1 teams to welcome a new team into the discipline. These notably call for a significant increase in the anti-dilution tax in Formula 1, which currently stands at $200 million. Some teams believe that the entry ticket must be at least tripled to compensate for the arrival of an 11th team.
“I don't blame certain teams for being reluctant, refusing or rejecting [the arrival of an 11th team], because people want to stay in their field, he added to AP. “There is no newcomer who can challenge them, either in terms of performance or financial benefits. But we believe that the conditions are ripe for newcomers to establish themselves in F1. »
ALSO READ > Andretti-Cadillac, leader of the gang of four
Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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06/07/2023 at 03:50 a.m.
The FIA is right to push Andretti's candidacy because nothing guarantees the presence of 11 teams in the medium term. What guarantee that Red Bull is not looking to get rid of Alpha Tauri / Toro Rosso / Minardi? What sustainability for Haas’ presence? And what about Williams in the long term by being at the back of the grid?