The FIA and their clampdown on driver conduct has become the main controversy of the winter break. An initiative spearheaded by President Ben Sulayem, F1 drivers will face sanctions for the use of offensive language.
The prospect of points deductions are also on the cards, with the FIA introducing new penalties for drivers who cause ‘moral injury’.
Amidst this backdrop, Ben Sulayem continues to articulate his vision for F1. The 63-year-old wants 12 teams on the grid.
Sulayem: “The next step” is a 12th team in F1
Throughout the 2024 season, Andretti’s F1 project (which has since changed into a GM/Cadillac entry) dominated headlines.
Significant resistance emerged against the US squad, with existing teams voicing their opposition to a grid expansion.
Eventually, the presence of a big manufacturer like General Motors got an agreement across the line.
With 11 teams set to compete in 2026, President Ben Sulayem wants to see a 12th outfit in F1:
“It’s been my dream for the last two years that the big countries should have a presence in Formula 1,” he told French outlet Le Figaro.
“The United States will be with General Motors. The next step is welcome to a Chinese manufacturer.
“We already have a driver [Zhou Guanyu].”
A completely different playing field
Only five years ago, only three teams (Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes) had realistic prospects of winning races.
McLaren were still rebuilding under Zak Brown’s leadership, Williams were in crisis and Force India needed Lawrence Stroll’s takeover to salvage their financial woes.
Thankfully for F1, the grid is in a healthier position heading into 2025 and the 2026 regulations.
With five engine manufacturers and customer teams like McLaren capable of winning titles, the dynamic’s have evolved substantially.
Partly thanks to the budget cap, financial and infrastructural differences across the field have shrunk.
Early indications suggest that Cadillac should be competitive immediately in 2026. They have already assembled a significant number of personnel and gotten their hands on some impressive development tools.
Toyota’s collaboration with Haas, Ford’s partnership with Red Bull and the arrival of Audi are evidence of the growing interest in F1 among manufacturers.
In this context, Ben Sulayem’s vision for a 12th team is not an unrealistic one.
READ MORE: Otmar Szafnauer reveals project for 12th team
Otmar Szafnauer has already spoken about a project he is working on to further expand the grid.
The former Alpine team principal believes the manufacturer he is working with can make a strong case to become the 12th team in F1.
Of course, it is too early before any judgements can be made on Szafnauer’s project.
There will be other entries working on their own entries – and who are likely to make offers to the FIA in the coming years.
Ultimately President Ben Sulayem only has so much influence on whether another team joins F1.
Whilst the FIA plays a crucial role in the application process, so does Liberty Media.
Considering the friction that surrounded Cadillac’s entry, it is unlikely a new outfit will be welcomed into F1 without opposition – unless they offer a package that is impossible for FOM (Formula One Management) to overlook.
