FIA President Confirms Andretti Cadillac’s Court-Free Future in F1 Bid

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has assured that Andretti Cadillac’s bid to join Formula 1 will not lead to legal action, even if rejected by FOM. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing saga of Andretti’s entry into F1 racing.

Key Takeaways:

• FIA’s Approval and Potential Conflict: Despite approval from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for Andretti Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, opposition from team principals and FOM creates a potential conflict. The addition of an eleventh team is not favored by the majority of existing team owners and FOM, though General Motors’ entry as an independent entity is more acceptable.
• Financial Assessment and Possible Legal Action: Andretti Cadillac’s entry into F1 is contingent on a financial assessment by F1’s owners. Rumors suggested that a negative outcome might lead to legal action under anti-competition laws, but Ben Sulayem has dismissed this possibility, emphasizing a non-litigious path forward.
• Alternative Participation and FIA’s Motive: Ben Sulayem stated that even if FOM rejects Andretti, the team could still participate in F1 outside the commercial agreement binding the ten teams. He underscored the FIA’s intention to enhance the sport’s value without causing strain in its relationship with FOM.

The ongoing saga of Andretti Cadillac’s bid to join Formula 1 has taken a significant turn with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s latest remarks. Despite facing opposition from several team principals and the FOM, Ben Sulayem expressed his support for the new team’s entry during the Qatar GP weekend, along with a desire for more teams and fewer races in the F1 calendar.

This development is not without its challenges. The majority of the sport’s stakeholders are hesitant about adding an eleventh team, fearing financial and competitive imbalances. However, there’s a general openness to General Motors entering as an independent entity.

Crucially, the FIA President has dispelled rumors about potential legal battles. In a clear statement, Ben Sulayem assured that the team would not pursue legal action even if their bid is rejected following the financial assessment by F1’s owners. This assessment is crucial to ensure that the new team would not become a financial burden in the future.

“No we won’t have to go to court. I don’t think any of us want to go to court,” said Ben Sulayem, stressing the non-litigious path ahead. He also highlighted the difficulty of rejecting an American OEM like General Motors, especially given the positive market reaction to the announcement.

In a scenario where Andretti is rejected, the team still has the option to participate in F1 outside the commercial agreement that binds the current ten teams. Ben Sulayem remains optimistic about this possibility and places trust in Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1.

Ultimately, Ben Sulayem emphasized that the FIA’s intention is not to strain its relationship with FOM but to add value to the sport. This statement indicates a commitment to the sport’s growth and sustainability, balancing new entrants’ ambitions with the existing framework of Formula 1.