Why Andretti Should Abandon the 11th Team Dream and Buy an Existing F1 Team

The illustrious halls of Formula 1 are hard to breach, and Andretti-Cadillac has been finding this out the hard way. Despite their ambitions and the FIA's initial nod of approval, they’ve found themselves in a tug-of-war with Formula One Management (FOM) over their bid to join the grid. What started with high hopes in October last year has been met with skepticism about their value addition to the sport. The road ahead remains uncertain with FOM only willing to entertain their prospects for 2028, assuming General Motors steps in as an engine supplier.

The 10-Team Status Quo

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has recently shifted gears on his outlook for Andretti’s F1 entry. Initially an advocate for expanding the grid, he now suggests the American outfit should consider purchasing one of the existing teams instead. His logic? Strength over numbers. “I feel that some teams need to be refreshed. What is better? To have 11 teams as a number or 10 and they are strong?” he pondered.

Ben Sulayem underscores that the essence of Formula 1 is not merely about having more teams but rather having the right teams. It’s a vision that emphasizes quality over quantity, especially considering some current teams are struggling with both performance and management. In such a context, an acquisition seems more practical and strategically sound.

A U.S. Presence in F1: The Allure

One of Ben Sulayem’s driving reasons for supporting Andretti's F1 ambitions is his belief in the positive impact an authentic American team could have on the sport. With three races in the United States and a burgeoning American fanbase, the presence of a genuine U.S. team, especially backed by giants like GM, could be transformative. “Imagine the impact. We have three races in America. We have such a huge fan base. But we don’t have a proper [US] team,” he mused.

This view is further bolstered by the presence of Ford, in collaboration with Red Bull, already making waves in F1. The dream is to have more than just races to draw U.S. fans—imagine an entire team and American drivers reflecting their passion and energy on the global stage.

The Realities of the F1 Market

With Scarcity comes Value. Existing F1 teams hold a unique position in the sport. They are already ingrained into the ecosystem, with established infrastructures, fanbases, and financial backing. By acquiring an existing team, Andretti wouldn't just be buying a spot on the grid; they’d be purchasing years of legacy and an already laid foundation.

Acquiring an existing team aligns with Ben Sulayem’s broader strategic vision for stabilizing and enhancing the sport. As he suggests, many teams are currently “struggling with performance” and could potentially benefit from new ownership with fresh resources and ideas. In this light, Andretti entering the scene as a rejuvenating force could be exactly what some of these floundering squads need.

Strategic Re-alignments and the Future

Ben Sulayem reiterated that peace and partnership with FOM are vital for moving forward. The recent announcement of a “new strategic plan” by the FIA and F1 aims to clear up ambiguities and tension between the parties. “Peace is always good, you can’t have all the time unnecessary issues,” he noted, emphasizing the need for both parties to focus on the sport's bigger picture rather than minor disputes.

Thus, Andretti’s aspiration to join F1 doesn't have to remain a pipe dream. Properly executed, buying an existing team could serve as a solid foundation for achieving this goal. Aligning with FIA’s vision of quality and stability within F1, Andretti-Cadillac has a chance to redefine what an American team in F1 could look like—possibly even in time for the 2025 or ’26 seasons, should the right opportunity arise.

In the high-stakes world of F1, it's not about how quickly you get to the grid but the strength and substance you bring when you do.