Formula One: motorsport boss says Andretti should buy existing team rather than enter own
- FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says US group would be better off trying to make 10-team competition better
- Cost of entering a team put at US$200 million, but that could rise to US$600 million from 2026
Andretti Cadillac should buy an existing team instead of pushing for an 11th entry that has been rejected by Formula One’s owners, the head of the governing body has told Reuters.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who last year called for more teams and fewer races, said he remained supportive of increasing the number but that quality was more important than quantity.
“I have no doubt FOM [Formula One Management] and [commercial rights holders] Liberty Media would love to see other teams as long as they car manufacturers,” the Emirati said at last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.
“I would advise them [Andretti Cadillac] to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team.
“I feel that some teams need to be refreshed. What is better? To have 11 teams as a number or 10 and they are strong? I still believe we should have more teams but not any teams. The right teams. It’s not about the number, it’s about the quality.”
US-based Andretti Global is led by 1991 CART champion Michael Andretti, son of 1978 F1 world champion and 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario.