FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem proudly reflects on the announcement that Cadillac will join Formula 1 from 2026. For the president, this marks a significant moment, following a process that was far from smooth. Ben Sulayem faced considerable criticism for his efforts to expand the starting field.
From Controversy to Breakthrough
The story began in February 2023, when the idea of an Andretti-Cadillac team was first proposed. However, this proposal met resistance within the Formula 1 organization. The Formula 1 organization rejected the plan, leading to a legal threat from the United States. Andretti and Cadillac asked the U.S. Department of Justice to consider a possible ‘antitrust investigation’ into the rejection.
Yet, behind the scenes, there was movement. Under the leadership of Ben Sulayem, former Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, and F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, a revised proposal was developed. The adjusted plan, with Cadillac in the lead role and Andretti no longer involved, recently received approval for entry in 2026. “I’ve been through hell and back,” Ben Sulayem told Motorsport.com.
Collaboration between FIA and FOM
Despite the FIA and FOM not always seeing eye to eye since Ben Sulayem took the helm at the end of 2022, the president emphasizes that there was indeed good collaboration on this project. “FOM has its own process, focused on the commercial aspect. We focus on the sporting side,” he explains. “But we have collaborated and it has paid off.”
Ben Sulayem asserts that Cadillac’s entry is a victory for the sport. “It’s not just a success for the FIA, FOM, or the teams, but for the entire sport and the fans. This is about the future of motorsport and strengthening the business.”
A Turbulent Period for Ben Sulayem
For Ben Sulayem personally, this milestone marks the end of a challenging period. He faced severe criticism for his open attitude towards new teams. “I have nothing to hide. I was elected on the basis of governance, democracy, and transparency. Everything we have done has been carried out according to the correct procedures and careful considerations.”
