“Surprising that there has been some adverse reaction,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem defends Andretti-Cadillac’s interest in joining F1

“Surprising that there has been some adverse reaction,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem defends Andretti-Cadillac’s interest in joining F1

Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Michael Andretti

Andretti Autosport is interested to join Formula 1. After failing to win the F1 paddock’s approval due to the lack of backing from an automaker. The American marquee regained the headlines after coming to terms with General Motors. Thus, Andretti will bring along the prestigious Cadillac brand to F1 if it can get a spot on the grid by 2026. However, this all-American pairing has not been met with open arms with a long process pending its entry.

The FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem spoke up on this issue and clarified the position of the sport’s governing body. Sulayem posted a statement on Twitter to address such concerns. The FIA President first mentioned his surprise at seeing backlash for such an organization’s entry into F1. He stated, “It is surprising that there has been some adverse reaction to the @Cadillac and @FollowAndretti news.”

YouTube video
Andretti-Cadillac are speculated to be interested in racing Colton Herta in the planned F1 outfit

Mohammed Ben Sulayem defended the FIA’s position in accepting smaller outfits to F1 in the past. One such example is the Haas F1 team which joined the pinnacle of motorsport in 2016. Sulayem said, “The @FIA has accepted the entries of smaller, successful organisations in recent years.” Rumors have spread in recent weeks that the FIA was not interested in Andretti’s bid. Many have raised suspicions that the FIA is supposedly looking for another manufacturer-run works team.

FS Video

Also Read: Ticket sales of F1 Miami Grand Prix and F1 US Grand Prix prove that the FIA are on their way towards achieving the American Dream

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is confident about Andretti-Cadillac’s commercial appeal

Andretti-Cadillac brings the biggest US automaker along with a historic racing team

Mohammed Ben Sulayem mentioned how F1 will benefit from outfits like Andretti-Cadillac. Where a veteran racing outfit ties up with a giant automaker in a joint effort to achieve success. Sulayem stated, “We should be encouraging prospective F1 entries from global manufacturers like @GM and thoroughbred racers like Andretti and others.” It seems that the FIA is optimistic about getting this American team on the grid in 2026.

The FIA President talked about the diversity an all-American squad can bring to F1. “Interest from teams in growth market adds diversity and broadens @F1’s appeal” Andretti is adamant about signing an American driver for its F1 team, which will be a boost to F1’s existing efforts to solidify its place in the US market. Formula 1 is expanding rapidly in America. The United States will witness three races this season including the widely anticipated Las Vegas GP.

Thus, it seems that Andretti-Cadillac have the support of the FIA in getting a slot to join Formula 1. Although Cadillac will not be manufacturing power units when the team enters the sport, gaining the biggest US automaker will do wonders for the sport. It brings in another stakeholder and reduces the dominance of the current big teams. On the commercial side, of course, having a competitive American team with an American driver will increase F1’s popularity multi-fold in the ‘Land of the Free.’

Read More: Panthera Team Asia looking to join F1 in 2026 with a Power Unit “pre-agreement” already in place

Read More: How long is a Formula 1 race?