More teams on the way to F1?: 'Won't break any rules'

There has been talk of expanding the Formula 1 grid for some time now. Andretti has shown clear interest in setting up a Formula One team, and there is more interest from other parties. The other Formula 1 teams are worried, as it would mean they might have to cede some of their prize money to the 11th team. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem understands these concerns, he told Grandprix247.com.

"There are a few teams wanting to come in. We are happy that they express interest. We have been working with FOM and with Stefano Domenicali [Formula 1 CEO]. That’s very important to do due diligence. And they realize that the FIA is also one of the main partners in that. And we both agree that having a team or a new team… we cannot really force big teams to say yes or no. It’s up to them," Ben Sulayem is quoted as saying.

'Not breaking any rules'

So the current teams have concerns about a possible addition of a new team. The FIA president understands the concerns: "We at FIA have also this concern.You know, when you’re talking about the expression of interest, I mean, there are still regulations there and we cannot shut the application down and say no, because we have another choice and we cannot also say no to them if they fulfil the application. So really, I understand the other teams’ concerns when it comes to another team. Also we’re not breaking the rules."