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FIA Has No Reason To Deny GM Spot On F1 Grid

GM is aiming to race in Formula 1, with Cadillac partnering with Michael Andretti’s Andretti Global to potentially enter as the eleventh team in the top-tier racing series. The proposal has been met with resistance from the current F1 team lineup, but according to the president of the FIA, there’s no reason to deny GM a spot on the grid.

According to a recent report from Associated Press, the president of the governing body behind F1, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said that GM’s Expression of Interest to enter the series stood out amongst the “more than five” received thus far.

The No. 3 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

No. 3 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

“People have to understand we are here to promote motorsport and we are here to be fair,” Ben Sulayem said. “The Expressions of Interest process is very robust and there is no circumstance where we can deny any teams if they fulfill the criteria to enter. So imagine me saying no to someone like GM?”

The current F1 racing series rules stipulate that there can be upwards of 12 teams on the grid, leaving room for expansion among the 10 that currently compete.

“I’m not breaking (rules),” Ben Sulayem said. “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?” Ben Sulayem added. “GM is a heavyweight and when they come with Andretti, that’s good for all of us.”

No. 2 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Two weeks ago, the CEO of Liberty Media, the company that holds the commercial rights to the F1 race series, reportedly said that a grid expansion could be beneficial, especially if it included an American manufacturer.

However, following the announcement that Andretti Global and Cadillac were aiming for a spot in F1, several of the current F1 teams reportedly came out against the proposal, saying that the move would dilute the share of revenues and that the $200 million entry fee was insufficient compensation. Some even characterized GM’s involvement as little more than a “badging exercise.”

No. 31 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R at the 12 Hours of Sebring

Andretti responded to the pushback, saying the negative reaction was “greedy” and that teams were prioritizing self-interest over the growth and wellbeing of F1 as a racing series.

The decision on whether or not F1 will expand with a new team is expected by the end of the month.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Seeing modern gm in modern Formula 1 would be such an interesting experience. I hope they can challenge RBR or at least be a midfield leader.

    Reply
  2. With Ford coming in next yr. (?), It would be great to allow GM a spot on the grid

    Reply
    1. I believe Ford will be on the grid for 2026.

      Reply
    2. Ford will supply the engines to the two Red Bull teams. Honda engines will then be supplied to another team, I cant remember which one.

      Reply
  3. GM hasn’t been able to build their own Indy engine since 2003 when they had to go to Cosworth which Ford owned at the time and spend $30 mil plus to lease engines that weren’t that competitive but at least they didn’t blow up like the in house Chevy designed!

    Reply
    1. RBR has never built there own engine. Nor has Williams, Alpha, Aston, McLaren etc..

      Reply
  4. Hopefully they don’t get Dallara to build their cars.

    Reply

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