P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem now wants Andretti to buy an existing F1 team – aligning himself with the wishes of F1’s establishment rather than Andretti’s preference.
The change in tone from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, advising Andretti to pursue buying a Formula 1 team instead of seeking an additional 11th entry, marks a significant shift in the dynamics behind the scenes. Ben Sulayem, who had been a strong advocate for Andretti’s bid to enter F1 as a new entity, is now emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in team entries. His advice to Andretti to consider acquiring an existing team aligns more closely with the views of FOM and Liberty Media, the commercial rights holders. While this change in perspective may be a setback for Andretti, it reflects a pragmatic approach to achieving the mutual goal of an Andretti entry without disrupting the current 10-team system. Despite the shift in stance, the FIA’s support for Andretti’s aspirations remains evident, indicating a desire to navigate the situation toward a favorable outcome for all parties involved.
