Ever since Liberty Media bought its way into F1, there has been a breath of fresh air for the entire motorsport fandom amidst expanding racing calendar with newer and more exciting circuits. Subsequently, what seemed like a Europe-centered motorsport series, is now embracing worldwide recognition, which has triggered countless interest from major automotive industries from across the world.
But, to everyone’s surprise, F1 has maintained its closed-door policy for any potential newcomers, quite recently obstructing the likes of Andretti Autosport and others from joining the grid. Indeed, the blame not only falls on the management but also on the teams currently competing in the sport.
Many outfits including eight-time world champions Mercedes have opposed the FIA’s idea of expanding the grid, majorly due to the market share. However, by the looks of it, the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem remains unfazed by the negative reactions from the teams and the F1 stakeholders itself and is rather focused on achieving his heightened ambition.
“I have discussed that with them, very openly”
Stefano Domenicali gives his thoughts on Andretti’s attempts to join the Formula 1 grid.
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The 61-year-old pointed out that the FIA is a non-profit organization and will continue working towards promoting the business of Formula 1 by not only adding new circuits to the racing calendar but also by welcoming new automotive brands to the grid.
FIA president Ben Sulayem hits back at F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali & other F1 teams
Speaking to RACER, Ben Sulayem opined that it would be unfair to say no to potential newcomers and acknowledged wanting teams based in China or the United States. “Imagine us saying no to [the possibility of] potential teams,” Ben Sulayem said. “We are here to sustain motorsport, sustain the business. We don’t look at the market share.
He further added, “We are a non-profit, we have been established 118 years for motorsport. I don’t want any big team to take us to court and say that we have been blocking them for the wrong reasons. Yes, we opened the expression of interest. They come in, we do the due diligence, we check, we look into it, we look at their financial side, technical side and we look also at where we see ourselves in years to come.
⚠️ | FIA President Ben Sulayem continues to push for 12 teams in F1:
“Why should I stop saying what I feel?
“Imagine us saying no to potential teams. We are here to sustain the sport, sustain the business.
“We don’t look at market share.”
— formularacers (@formularacers_) August 21, 2023
“It’s also my dream to have a Chinese team. Just think about it, you have a United States team and you have a Chinese team and you have drivers from the United States and China. It will lift [all] the teamsF1 is commercially sustainable, but then I look at the sports side. If we get a United States team, that would be good.”
Overall, the proceedings are underway for adding an eleventh team by the 2026 F1 season, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. One of the biggest contenders, Audi, is likely to buy into Alfa Romeo while Ford will join forces with Red Bull after the Milton Keynes outfit failed to come to an agreement with Porsche. Meanwhile, Honda will be supplying engines to Aston Martin.
Therefore, Formula 1 is rapidly evolving, with more highly recognized automotive brands making their way into the sport. But, will F1 ever change its stance on inviting more standalone teams?