F1 News: Mohammed Bin Sulayam Sees ‘Benefits’ in Andretti’s Entry Into F1, as Revealed by Team Boss

In early 2022, Michael Andretti expressed his desire to enter and compete in Formula 1 as an American works team. Since then, the team has been making significant strides toward making Michael’s dream a reality. From partnering up with Toyota and General Motors to setting up an F1-focused technical team, Andretti has been taking small yet concrete steps in hopes of being accepted into F1. And while the team has got the approval from the FIA, it still awaits a green light from F1. In a recent report, Michael Andretti has said that the President of the FIA Mohammed Ben Sulayem sees clear benefits of their entry into F1.

However, Formula 1 has yet to review the team’s project documents to decide whether the team would be able to sustain itself in the sport. After all, many new teams in the recent past have not been able to survive the harsh realities of F1. In addition to that, the existing Formula 1 teams have also expressed their discontent with the addition of an 11th team on the grid, stating the financial instability it would bring for them.

Michael Andretti and Mohammed Ben Sulayem see eye to eye in Andretti’s F1 entry

Despite the opposition from the other teams and the reluctance from F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali, Andretti has already made huge advances in their F1 project. They are already readying a base in the UK and they already have a 2024-spec chassis model ready to test in Toyota’s wind tunnel in case they need to fastrack their development if they get the approval for 2025. Andretti has also hired 50 employees including engineers and technical personnel from General Motors who have agreed to become the team’s engine manufacturer from 2028 and beyond.

However, Andretti’s partnership with General Motors, specifically Cadillac, goes beyond just the engine deal. GM will be a crucial part of Andretti’s operations (if they get approval from F1) in terms of manufacturing various parts and contributions to the wind tunnel testing.

According to The Athletic, Michael Andretti recently responded to the opposition faced by Andretti-Cadillac from within Formula 1. He said, “As Mohammed [Ben Sulayem] has said a number of times, the benefits we will bring to the sport and the championship are so obvious. I can’t imagine anyone would want to try to stop us and deprive racing fans of the opportunity to see a genuine American works team going head-to-head with the legendary names currently competing in F1.”

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Whether or not F1 approves Andretti’s entry into the sport, Michael remains optimistic about their prospect.

Michael Andretti believes an American works team would help F1’s viewership in the US

If F1 gives entry to Andretti-Cadillac, they will be required to pay the $200 million dilution fee, which is part of the Concorde Agreement between the FIA, F1, and the 10 existing teams. The teams have gone as far as to suggest tripling the amount of the dilution fee during the signing of the next Concorde Agreement in 2026 in order to prevent more teams from entering.

However, Michael Andretti believes that the presence of an American works team in Formula 1 will help the sport gain immense popularity in the U.S., which would eventually help the sport carry out its plans for the future in the States.

READ MORE: Mario Andretti Teases Blockbuster American Formula 1 Team in 2024

Would you want to see Andretti competing in Formula 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below.