Final week, motor racing’s governing physique approved Andretti Formula’s application to join the F1 grid from 2025 at the earliest, as its entry was moved ahead to the ultimate stage of needing to type a business deal.
Nevertheless, getting such an settlement throughout the road is way from assured, with FOM having been clear that it’s going to solely approve an growth to the present 10-team subject whether it is confirmed that one other entrant would deliver added advantages to the championship.
FOM’s reluctance to mechanically embrace Andretti has prompted discuss that if it finally ends up rejecting the American squad, then the matter may go to court docket – which can embody involving anti-competition authorities inside the EU.
However Ben Sulayem has performed down any suggestion of there being a authorized showdown over the matter and instructed he’s “very optimistic” the crew shall be given approval.
“We do not have to go to court docket, and I do not suppose any of us will go to court docket,” Ben Sulayem instructed chosen media together with Autosport concerning the Andretti scenario.
“I imply, perhaps it sounds very thrilling and thrilling to the media, however it won’t go to court docket. I am certain of that. Why ought to we go to court docket?”
Though the FIA and FOM seem at loggerheads over the matter, with their opinions concerning the worth of Andretti not in line, Ben Sulayem doesn’t see it triggering an enormous falling out if issues don’t progress.
As a substitute, he’s adamant that the scenario shall be handled in a constructive method relatively than as a degree of public battle.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO, Components 1, Mohammed bin Sulayem, President, FIA, on the grid
Picture by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“This marriage [between FIA and FOM]? I’ve stated it earlier than and I am going to say it once more: I believe the Pope of the Vatican can get married 100 instances and get divorced. However we won’t be divorced,” he stated.
“Sure, the homeowners may change tomorrow, Liberty Media may promote. However the FIA with Liberty going to court docket? We won’t permit it even. It isn’t even for dialogue.
“To me, we decide up the cellphone, we deal with issues. These small issues that go are a part of making the game higher.”
The advantages for F1
Ben Sulayem thinks there are clear grounds for FOM approving Andretti, which embody Liberty Media’s share value rising on the day the additional entry was accepted, in addition to the difficulties he thinks there shall be in turning down its accomplice Common Motors and the Cadillac model.
“There are various elements to this,” stated Ben Sulayem about why he was so optimistic.
“To begin with, Liberty is an American firm and I learn that Liberty had been approving, and so they had been saying we wish to have one other crew.
“Then, wanting on the share value, it went up as an alternative of down once we declared it. That is good for them.
“And thirdly, to say no to an American OEM. It’s extremely exhausting. Quite the opposite, it is good for enterprise.”
Cadillac brand
Picture by: Artwork Fleischmann
Becoming an additional crew in
Whereas one issue that shall be analysed by FOM is the monetary penalties of getting an additional crew on the grid, Ben Sulayem doesn’t see this as grounds to reject the Andretti software.
Whereas it’s understood that lower than half of the present circuits have storage and paddock services simply capable of accommodate an additional outfit, Ben Sulayem says a part of F1’s contracts with circuits is that they need to be large enough to accommodate 12 groups.
He cites the truth that F1 has discovered storage and paddock house for the fictional Apx GP crew within the new Brad Pitt film at a number of venues as proof of how simple it’s to fit in an additional outfit.
“We are able to afford having one other Hollywood crew for God’s sake,” he stated.
“The contracts are very clear. We’re operating now 11 groups for Hollywood. And when they’re over, at the moment, there shall be house.
“A lot of the contracts are very, very clear. It’s secure to be accepted and must have place for 12. It’s written.
“It is the duty of the promoter and the circuit; it is not our duty. We do not intervene however that is the principles.
“The foundations usually are not solely carried out by us, the principles are carried out all over the place. By all events.”
Pitlane ambiance
Picture by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Whereas some have instructed that Andretti may nonetheless enter F1 with no business deal in place with FOM – so in principle racing with out prize cash – that is thought to not be attainable.
Senior sources have indicated that the present Concorde Agreements that run from 2021 and 2025, signed by FOM, the FIA and groups, embody clauses that stipulate any new entrants on the grid should have a business deal agreed earlier than they’ll compete.
Discuss Andretti pushing on with out approval from FOM can be unrealistic as a result of there would even be fundamental logistical issues that may be unimaginable to beat – such because the crew acquiring passes to get in to tracks. These are issued by FOM.
Ben Sulayem was clear that he didn’t suppose the scenario would descend so far as to finish up in a dispute over passes.
“I do not suppose we’re that low-cost to have that,” he stated. “I do not suppose refusing a crew needs to be: ‘We won’t provide you with a move’. How infantile we may be?
“We’re within the pinnacle of the game of F1. We needs to be serving huge groups with OEMs, to deliver them in, to maintain motorsport.
“However I perceive the groups. They haven’t any energy over it [the decision to allow Andretti’s entry], however we hearken to them as a result of their level can be the cash.
“It’s concerning the cash. I imply, let’s not play a recreation right here: it’s concerning the cash.”
Mohammed bin Sulayem, President, FIA
Picture by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
No rush
Though FOM’s evaluation of the impression of Andretti’s arrival will not be full till subsequent 12 months, which shall be too late for the American squad to make it on to the grid in 2025, Ben Sulayem says the FIA won’t rush a closing choice.
“FOM has on a regular basis,” he stated. “I’m not ready to push or to inform them what to do. I do respect all the things they do.
“I by no means intervene in no matter they’re doing. And on the similar time, I do not like anybody interfering with our jurisdictions additionally.
“So it’s between Andretti and between FOM.”