The president of the FIA does not ask for teams to support Andretti’s candidacy

Mohammed Ben Sulayem said a little more this weekend in Mexico about the candidacy of the potential 11th F1 team. After the FIA gave the green light on the Andretti file (only), the decision now lies with the FOM. The FOM manages the financial side and the interest from a sporting perspective. The FIA, on the other hand, only manages compliance with the regulations. The majority of the teams are not in favor of admitting an 11th team. It would impact their revenues and dilute their share of the F1 profits, directly affecting their financial health.

Let’s ask ourselves a question. Why do Michael Andretti and General Motors need the support of the teams? I don’t understand. Do the team directors have a say in the admission process? Mohammed Ben Sulayem reacted in an interview given to several media outlets. And when asked if the teams’ opinion on the situation was “irrelevant,” he replied, “For that, yes.”

The tone is set, pending the decision of the FOM. However, he did tone down his statement by declaring, regarding the teams «, “In sport, they are a factor, and everyone has the right to express their feelings about it, but how can we refuse GM?” », before adding « “I don’t understand. Just why?” ».

Always for Mohammed Ben Sulayem, he displays unwavering optimism regarding the admission of Andretti Formula Racing. The FIA has the right in terms of sports; the FOM manages the financial side, but will the FOM refuse? We are talking about the largest manufacturer in the United States, which works with one of the biggest companies, Liberty Media. If we talk about business, it’s good for business.

Note that the Concorde agreement allows for up to 12 teams on the grid. And even if things were to go wrong and the FOM were to refuse Andretti, Ben Sulayem is ready to welcome the American team. « What I’ve heard legally is that they can say no to the financial aspects. But the license belongs to the FIA, so they would still race, but without receiving any money, and I don’t think that would happen », even if for him, this option is not feasible. « I just hope they won’t say no because it’s so good for business, so good for supporting motorsport ».