Formula 1 before historic team growth: Is the 12th team coming?
The FIA is planning an eleventh team in Formula 1 from 2026. There are questions about transparency and new regulations.
Formula 1 before historic team growth: Is the 12th team coming?
Formula 1 is facing an exciting turnaround! On December 4, 2024, F1 announced that General Motors, with its Cadillac brand, would field an eleventh team in the premier class of motorsport from 2026. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed additional interest in a twelfth team in a press conference before the end of the season in Abu Dhabi. This came amid concerns about the hesitation of existing teams and Liberty Media, which has traditionally been opposed to expanding the grid. “Why not?” asked Ben Sulayem. “If the regulations allow twelve teams, why are we saying no?” said the president, who is optimistic about the future that additional teams could be a win-win for everyone involved laola1.at out of.
But while new teams are on the horizon, rumors are also simmering about possible rule changes that could soon lead to a vote in the FIA governing body. Changes relating to the way the FIA leadership team can be held accountable will be voted on on December 13th. There are fears that the proposed changes will undermine the transparency and credibility of the sports organization. The FIA's ethics committee could only carry out an initial assessment before deciding whether a comprehensive investigation is necessary, reported skysports.com.
The current events come in a turbulent year for Ben Sulayem that has been marked by controversy. After he was accused of influencing the outcome of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, further comments about his people and decisions have emerged from prominent figures in the F1 circuit such as Lewis Hamilton. The mood among the drivers is also tense; George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, said F1 drivers were "a little annoyed" with the FIA and wondered who might be next to be sacked. The next few days could represent crucial turning points for the future of Formula 1.