Last week, motor racing’s governing body approved Andretti Formula’s application to join the F1 grid from 2025 at the earliest, as its entry was moved forward to the final stage of needing to sort a commercial deal.
However, getting such an agreement across the line is far from guaranteed, with FOM having been clear that it will only approve an expansion to the current 10-team field if it is proven that another entrant would bring added benefits to the championship.
FOM’s reluctance to automatically embrace Andretti has prompted talk that if it ends up rejecting the American squad, then the matter could go to court – which may include involving anti-competition authorities within the EU.
But Ben Sulayem has played down any suggestion of there being a legal showdown over the matter.
“We don't have to go to court, and I don't think any of us will go to court,” Ben Sulayem told selected media including Autosport about the Andretti situation.
“I mean, maybe it sounds very exciting and thrilling to the media, but it will not go to court. I'm sure of that. Why should we go to court?”
Although the FIA and FOM appear at loggerheads over the matter, with their opinions about the value of Andretti not in line, Ben Sulayem does not see it triggering a big falling out if things do not progress.
Instead, he is adamant that the situation will be dealt with in a constructive manner rather than as a point of public conflict.
Source: Autosport