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‘SHOCKING’ statements by the president of the FIA -Ben Sulayem: “It was personal against Michael Andretti”

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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‘SHOCKING’ statements by the president of the FIA -Ben Sulayem: “It was personal against Michael Andretti”

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - December 1, 2024 FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem with Qatar prime minster Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

The Andretti name may no longer headline the newest Formula 1 team, but its legacy continues to shape the sport’s evolution. In a seismic shift, Cadillac F1, a partnership with General Motors, has officially been approved to join the Formula 1 grid, marking a pivotal moment for American motorsport.

This comes just weeks after Michael Andretti announced he would step away from direct leadership of the project, handing over control to TWG Global and its powerhouse duo of Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. While Andretti may no longer hold a formal role, his foundational efforts and vision remain central to Cadillac F1’s genesis.


A Win for Motorsports – But Not Without Drama

The approval process was far from straightforward. After Liberty Media, Formula 1’s commercial rights holder, rebuffed Andretti’s initial bid in January, citing concerns about value and competitiveness, the tides shifted when General Motors deepened its involvement. With GM poised to become more than just an engine supplier, the Cadillac F1 project gained undeniable momentum.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a staunch supporter of the effort, praised the move as “a win for all of motorsports.” He reiterated that the FIA’s approval of Andretti’s application had always been about merit, not politics, dismissing claims that Michael Andretti’s public criticisms played a role in initial resistance.

“The FIA did its due diligence,” Ben Sulayem told reporters. “Michael Andretti should be proud—he’s the founder of this project. The resistance from the teams wasn’t personal; it was financial. But GM’s entry makes this a monumental step for Formula 1.”


The Shadow of Antitrust Investigations

While Andretti’s removal may seem coincidental, whispers of a Justice Department antitrust investigation suggest otherwise. The inquiry, which reportedly included interviews with Ben Sulayem and a visible FBI presence at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, focused on why Liberty Media was hesitant to expand the grid.

Liberty’s announcement of the investigation coincided with increasing pressure from U.S. lawmakers, including a visit by Mario Andretti to Washington to lobby for the Cadillac team’s inclusion. Though the outcome may be coincidental, insiders speculate that the scrutiny hastened Liberty’s willingness to welcome GM to the fold.


The Cadillac F1 Vision Without Andretti

TWG Global, led by Mark Walter (a major sports investor and owner of the LA Dodgers and Chelsea FC) and Dan Towriss, now spearheads the Cadillac F1 program. The team will operate out of Andretti’s state-of-the-art facilities in Indiana and Silverstone, alongside GM’s technical hubs in Michigan and North Carolina.

While the drivers for the team remain a mystery, Valtteri Bottas and Colton Herta have both been linked to the project. Herta, whose IndyCar career is tied to Gainbridge, a company owned by Towriss, remains a strong contender for one of the coveted seats.


The Future of American F1

If Cadillac F1 makes its planned debut in 2026, it will join Gene Haas’s team as the second American-owned F1 operation—a significant shift in a sport that now boasts three U.S. races. The addition of Cadillac, combined with Ford’s entry as a technical partner for Red Bull, underscores Formula 1’s growing foothold in America.

As for Michael Andretti, he remains a passionate figure in motorsport, though his role with the F1 team is now that of a supporter. His father, Mario Andretti, will take on an ambassadorial role while sitting on the board.

In the end, Cadillac F1’s approval is a landmark achievement—one that intertwines American ambition, corporate muscle, and the enduring legacy of the Andretti name. With TWG Global at the helm and GM’s resources behind them, the team is poised to be a game-changer when the green flag drops in 2026.

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