F1 News: Andretti offered alternative route into F1 by FIA chief

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Bahrain GP, FIA, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

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Andretti offered alternative route into F1 by FIA chief

Mohammed Ben Sulayem discusses Andretti F1 bid - and how the team can get on the grid in 2026

Originally written by Kevin McKenna. This version is a translation.

Friday 31 May 2024 05:00

FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem has offered surprising advice to Andretti Cadillac as the team continue their fight for a spot on the Formula 1 grid.

The American outfit made a bid to join F1 in 2026, but were rejected by F1 management, who claimed they would not 'provide value to the championship'.

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Questions continued to be asked in the aftermath of that rejection, with Jim Jordan - chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee - previously demanding more information on the reasons behind the decision.

The team, owned by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, have already opened a Silverstone facility, and as they look to push ahead with their plans.

However, FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem has offered an alternative solution to the team's current predicament.

Speaking to Reuters at the Monaco Grand Prix, he encouraged Andretti to buy an existing team instead of pushing for an 11th entry, adding that quality was more important than quality.

"I have no doubt FOM [Formula One Management] and [commercial rights holders] Liberty [Media] would love to see other teams as long as they are OEMs [car manufacturers]," said the Emirati.

"I would advise them [Andretti Cadillac] to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team.

"I feel that some teams need to be refreshed. What is better? To have 11 teams as a number or 10 and they are strong? I still believe we should have more teams but not any teams - the right teams.

"It’s not about the number, it’s about the quality."

He added: "Without mentioning names, there are teams which are struggling - struggling with performance, struggling even with management."

Formula 1 Mohammed Ben Sulayem Mario Andretti Michael Andretti