FIA vs. Formula 1: The Explosive Clash Over a 12th Team!
The simmering tensions between the FIA and Formula 1 have reached a boiling point once again, as the controversy surrounding the potential addition of a 12th team threatens to ignite a fresh wave of disputes. After a stormy back-and-forth, the FIA recently gave the green light for the entry of the Cadillac team, set to make its grand debut in 2026. However, this development raises urgent questions about the future of team expansion in the motorsport arena.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, has made his stance crystal clear: he believes there’s no room for another team due to logistical concerns. But Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the outgoing FIA president—whose term is up for renewal this December—refuses to shut the door on possibilities. In a revealing interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen, during his visit to Stockholm for the United Against Online Abuse initiative, Ben Sulayem took a bold shot at Domenicali’s position.
“I dedicated two years of my life to championing the entry of an 11th team,” he asserted, reflecting on the relentless criticism he faced, including personal attacks that came even on the day of his son’s death. “Why did they do this to me? Because they didn’t want me to open a call for interest. Some didn’t want another team, yet now they’re all congratulating each other, claiming ‘look what we’ve done’… No, you didn’t do anything; you were all opposed!”
Ben Sulayem’s frustration is palpable as he emphasizes that it was the FIA that navigated the complexities leading to Cadillac’s acceptance. “I had to endure all the backlash. Would I do it again? Yes, if it’s for a worthy cause!” he declared passionately. He pointed out the stark contrast between his role, focused on the sporting aspect, and Domenicali’s commercial outlook. “Stefano is running a business, and I get that he’s concerned about the economics—more teams mean more mouths to feed. But do we need another team? Not necessarily, but we need the right one! It’s about quality over quantity.”
Ben Sulayem defended Cadillac’s entry, stating that they followed the proper procedures and met all necessary criteria. “We only select the best,” he concluded. The showdown between these two powerful figures in the motorsport world raises the stakes and puts the future of F1 in a precarious position. Will the FIA and Formula 1 find common ground, or will the battle lines continue to be drawn? The motorsport community is on edge, waiting to see how this dramatic saga unfolds.
