FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has suggested that a big announcement is coming soon. In an interview with Auto, Motor und Sport Ben Sulayem said an additional name may be added to the Formula 1 grid.

In early January, Michael Andretti announced that his team will team up with Cadillac to try to enter Formula 1. What should have been a grand announcement was only coolly received by the current teams in F1, with the exception of McLaren and Alpine. Part of the resistance to this plan was that it did not look like Cadillac would actually develop the engines itself; in fact, this would be done by Alpine. So the addition of Cadillac would not bring any new technology, just a new logo on an existing engine.

To GPBlog, an Andretti spokesperson confirmed that talks are indeed ongoing with Alpine about developing an engine. Andretti himself recently added that the plan is, however, that eventually Cadillac and General Motors - the company that Cadillac falls under - will take full ownership of the technology development.

'We need to open the door'

From the outset, Ben Sulayem has welcomed Andretti's arrival and collaboration with Cadillac. According to him, it is only right if more teams join Formula 1. Therefore, he definitely does not want to drive away General Motors. "Imagine if we were to do that. That would be wrong," Ben Sulayem said. "I was not elected to make money, I was elected to support the sport. I am an elected representative of the sport. We need a strong and honest FIA. Honesty is very important."

And as far as the FIA president is concerned, it doesn't have to stay with Cadillac either. On the contrary, Ben Sulayem seems to suggest that other candidates are already lined up. "We have to open the door to serious candidates. That may attract other interested parties. Soon, maybe as early as next week, another manufacturer could sign for the 2026 engine regulations."