F1, Ben Sulayem: ‘Twelfth team on the grid? If the right brand arrives, the FIA will be happy’

Ben Sulayem has spoken again about the entry of a twelfth team on the grid after Cadillac, which will make its debut in 2026.

The 2025 season hasn’t even started yet, but F1 is already looking ahead to the future and the significant revenue this could bring to the most captivating motorsport in the world. Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, has once again challenged Liberty Media by opening the door for the entry of a twelfth team on the grid after Cadillac (which will join F1 in 2026).

During a press conference held in Spain, which also discussed the Madrid Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem addressed the issue of the twelfth team on the grid with the following statements: “Last year, there was a huge attack against me for opening the door to the 11th team. Now we have an 11th team. Was all this chaos really necessary to get to this point? I don’t think so. If the right team arrives, the FIA will open a new call for expressions of interest. We’re not afraid of anyone.”

Ben Sulayem then focused on the issue of online abuse in F1, sharing his thoughts: “Last year, UAOA highlighted the devastating impact of online abuse on athletes and competitors. This second edition of the report highlights the unacceptable assaults faced by race officials and referees, essential members of the sports community who ensure the proper conduct of the competitions.

“It is encouraging to see an increasing number of federations adopting measures against abuse, but the data shows that the problem continues to grow. UAOA’s work in 2025 will be crucial in fostering cooperation between the world of sport, politics, and technology, in order to develop effective and lasting solutions to protect the entire community.”