Formula 1 could soon edge closer to filling its long-standing 12-team provision, as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem advocates for further grid expansion following the groundbreaking Cadillac entry. Speaking at the Qatar Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem questioned the hesitancy of Liberty Media and current teams, who have historically resisted surpassing 10 teams.
“Why Have an Option for 12?”
“Why not?” Ben Sulayem asked when pressed on the possibility of filling the 12th team slot. “If the regulations allow for 12 teams, why are we saying no? For me, it’s clear—an 11th or even 12th team is a win for everyone.”
The recent agreement between Cadillac and Formula One marked a turning point. Cadillac’s entry, backed by General Motors and spearheaded by its registration as a power unit manufacturer, positions the team as a full works outfit by the end of the decade.
The Andretti Catalyst and U.S. Antitrust Pressure
Initially presented as an Andretti bid, the proposal faced skepticism from Formula One, which doubted its competitiveness and commercial value. However, the situation shifted dramatically when Michael Andretti repositioned the project as a manufacturer-led initiative, stepping back from its forefront.
The involvement of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, investigating potential anticompetitive practices in Formula 1, played a crucial role in reshaping the bid’s acceptance. Ben Sulayem acknowledged the inquiry’s influence, noting, “I was questioned, and I had nothing to hide. I’m proud of what the FIA did—our decision was based on governance, transparency, and the merit of the application.”
The Roadblocks and Turning Point
Formula 1’s insistence on adding value and ensuring high-quality entrants proved a significant hurdle. Ben Sulayem emphasized that Cadillac’s success stemmed from fulfilling stringent requirements, including General Motors’ commitment to developing a power unit.
“This wasn’t about numbers; it was about quality,” he explained. “Stefano [Domenicali] said, ‘We need an OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer], not just another team.’ Cadillac delivered that.”
With General Motors’ backing, the Andretti-Cadillac partnership addressed concerns, ticking all necessary boxes. “Once they delivered the power unit, we couldn’t say no anymore,” Ben Sulayem added.
Missed Opportunities and New Leadership
While Andretti was the only applicant approved for commercial discussions, other ambitious bids fell short. These included New Zealand-based Rodin Cars, which pledged to prioritize female representation, and Hitech GP, financially supported by Kazakh billionaire Vladimir Kim.
Interestingly, Hitech’s boss Oliver Oakes has since become the principal of Renault-owned Alpine F1, highlighting the dynamic shifts within the F1 ecosystem.
A Brighter Future for F1 Expansion?
Ben Sulayem’s remarks underscore a renewed momentum for grid expansion. The Cadillac entry not only highlights the potential of OEM-backed teams but also sets a precedent for future applicants.
As the sport looks to strengthen its global appeal, the prospect of filling the final 12th slot with another high-caliber team may no longer seem like an unattainable dream. For Ben Sulayem, the question remains: if the rules allow for 12 teams, why settle for less?
