Andretti can buy an current group quite than attempt to arrange their very own to enter System 1, the president of the game’s governing physique has mentioned.
Andretti’s bid to enter F1 in 2025 or 2026 has been rejected by business rights holders Liberty Media, though the door has been left open for an entry in 2028.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who beforehand backed Andretti’s bid, mentioned he remained supportive of the thought of extra groups however mentioned high quality was extra necessary than amount.
Ben Sulayem mentioned: “I’d advise them to go and purchase one other group, to not come because the eleventh group.
“I really feel that some groups should be refreshed. What is best? To have 11 groups as a quantity or 10 and they’re sturdy?
“I nonetheless imagine we must always have extra groups. However not any groups. The correct groups.”
Ben Sulayem didn’t say which groups he was referring to, however the apparent candidates for a sale are Alpine and Haas.
Nonetheless, senior F1 sources say that Alpine homeowners Renault and US industrialist Gene Haas are usually not curious about promoting.
Andretti’s bid has lengthy been contentious.
Proprietor Michael Andretti, the previous IndyCar and F1 driver and son of US racing legend Mario Andretti, has aggressively pursued an entry and his actions have upset many senior figures in F1.
The newest controversy revolves round a request by six US senators to arrange an anti-trust inquiry in opposition to F1 due to its determination to reject Andretti’s bid.
US automobile firm Common Motors is backing Andretti’s bid and has mentioned it desires to construct its personal engine to make sure it will probably enter in 2028.
Ben Sulayem mentioned he had “little question” that System 1 Administration and Liberty would “love” to see new groups on the grid “so long as they’re OEMs [car manufacturers]”.
