FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says he can’t imagine turning down General Motors’ quest to join the Formula 1 grid.
Earlier this year, Andretti Global, who has been vocal in expressing its intent to join the F1 paddock, announced that it would bring Cadillac to the sport as a partner should its bid be successful.
Cadillac is a division of General Motors, which is one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in the world.
The FIA opened the formal application process for potential new teams in February, with the deadline closing at the end of June.
Current F1 teams have shown resistance to expanding beyond 10 teams over fears of what it would mean for the end-of-year revenue shares.
But Ben Sulayem says it would be difficult to close the door on General Motors.
“People have to understand we are here to promote motorsport and we are here to be fair,” the FIA president told AP.
“The Expressions of Interest process is very robust and there is no circumstance where we can deny any teams if they fulfil the criteria to enter.
22.10.2022. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas, USA, Qualifying Day.
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“So imagine me saying no to someone like GM [General Motors]? We have in the regulations that we can go up to 12 teams. I’m not breaking [rules].
“But do we allow anyone to enter? No. But how on earth can we refuse GM?
“I mean, where’s the common sense in this? GM is a heavyweight and when they come with Andretti, that’s good for all of us.”
As the FIA seeks to further grow the grid against the wishes of F1 teams, Ben Sulayem says he understands their resistance.
“I don’t blame some of the teams for being reluctant or refusing or rejecting, let’s say, because people want to sit within their own area, which means that there is no one new coming that will even challenge them,” he said.
“Challenge them with maybe the performance or the financial benefits. But we believe that the conditions are right for new entrants for F1.”
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