https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a44642186/fia-sets-new- timetable-for-decision-on-f1-expansion/
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem taking his time in announcing a
decision about an 11th or even 12th team.
Apparently, it will take another four to six weeks before the FIA will be
ready to reveal whether or not Formula 1 will be getting up to two new
teams.
After several groups responded to the official FIA tender, it was reported recently that two prospective new teams—Andretti-Cadillac and Hitech—may already have been granted franchises by the governing FIA.
But with Liberty Media and most of the existing F1 teams opposed, FIA
president Mohammed Ben Sulayem explains that there are still hurdles to
jump.
"This is obviously a political and financial issue, but it is clear to me
that the FIA must respect the process. The EU also regulates us, so we
can't manipulate anything," he told formula.hu. "If a team is interested
and our rules say you can have that many teams, how can we say no?"
Ben Sulayem says he understands the existing teams' opposition on
financial grounds, but it is his duty to "do the right thing for the
sport."
"We can't tell a big team that wants to come to F1 to go and buy a team or
you can't come in. I think that's wrong," he added.
It is clear that Ben Sulayem's personal favorite for an 11th team entry is Michael Andretti's outfit, with the backing of Cadillac and General
Motors.
"These are serious people and we don't want to disqualify anyone without thoroughly reviewing the submitted applications," he said. "It's about big names and big money. Of course, we don't want just anybody, but A teams or
a car manufacturer. I prefer the manufacturers, because that would be good
for the sport.
"We have taken our time, the FIA team worked very hard, we had meetings
with the teams where we reviewed their applications, and I think the final decision will be made within four to six weeks."
Financial concerns aside, figures like Toto Wolff (Mercedes) have argued
that more than 20 cars on the grid is actually a safety issue, as "we are already tripping over ourselves like on a go-kart track."
"I don't understand that," the FIA president hit back. "Safety is the most important thing for the FIA and our safety people say that 11 or 12 teams
is also safe.
"We'll wait until the evaluation of the teams is finished and then we'll
see, but I have said it before and I say it now - how could we turn down General Motors? I don't understand the negativity.
"I heard that Liberty Media would also like an 11th team—this was said by
CEO Greg Maffei," Ben Sulayem added. "It seems that we are both looking at
the interests of the sport and its sustainability, because this way there
will be more business for the promoter as well.
"Hopefully next month we can make a statement."
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