(Motorsport) Formula 1 world motorsport governing body the FIA has said that the application process has begun for new teams to join Formula 1 from 2025. The applications will be based upon “rigorous financial and technical analysis” and will require illustrations of how prospective new teams would handle sustainability challenges and achieve a “positive societal impact” through participating. The announcement comes at a time when there is an ongoing rift between FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and representatives of F1 teams over acceptable terms for the grid to be expanded.
An FIA statement said: “The FIA welcomes interest from entities with a serious intent to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship. The high level of interest from a number of potential candidates is further proof of the popularity and growth of the Championship. All applicants will undergo thorough due diligence. The assessment of each application will cover in particular the technical capabilities and resources of the applicant team, the ability of the team to raise and maintain sufficient funding to allow participation in the Championship at a competitive level and the team’s experience and human resources.”
As per a 12 team cap by Formula 1, there can only be two successful applicants who can join in 2025, 2026 or 2027 when new engine regulations come into play. The members of Formula 1’s 10 current teams have suggested a $200m (£162m) fee for new teams to offset the dilution of profits is not enough, given the sports recent growth and could leave the existing teams in a worse condition than before. Ben Sulayem has expressed his surprise at the “adverse reaction” from current Formula 1 teams while Michael Andretti has accused them of “greed”.
“The growth and appeal of the FIA Formula One World Championship is at unprecedented levels,” Ben Sulayem said. “The FIA believes the conditions are right for interested parties, which meet the selection criteria, to express a formal interest in entering the Championship.” The FIA statement added: “The overall long-term interests of the Championship, involving all stakeholders, will determine which candidates are selected together with the applicable regulations and governance arrangements.”
Ben Sulayem added: “For the first time ever, as part of the selection conditions, we are requesting that candidates set out how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability benchmarks and how they would make a positive societal impact through sport. The process is a logical extension of the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations from engine manufacturers which has attracted Audi to Formula 1 and created interest among other potential entrants.”
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