President Mohammed ben Sulayem hinted that Michael Andretti may get approval from the FIA to join the Formula 1 grid.
Andretti was among the most high-profile parties who publicly stated his desire to enter the sport. And he turned that interest into a bid after the FIA launched its 'expressions of interest' process.
It provided an official way to attempt to enter the sport, which has enjoyed immense global growth in recent years. Several parties are understood to have submitted bids, including junior category team Hitech Grand Prix and "aspiring F1 disruptor" LKY SUNZ.
The expressions of interest process recently closed. According to the Associated Press, a decision from the FIA regarding whether each bid has met the criteria for a new F1 team is expected by the end of July.
And, speaking to the same outlet, president Ben Sulayem hinted that Andretti's team-up with General Motors' Cadillac brand could get the thumbs up. "People have to understand we are here to promote motorsport and we are here to be fair," the FIA chief said.
"The Expressions of Interest process is very robust and there is no circumstance where we can deny any teams if they fulfil the criteria to enter. So, imagine me saying no to someone like GM? We have in the regulations that we can go up to 12 teams.
"I'm not breaking [rules] but do we allow anyone to enter? No. But how on earth can we refuse GM? I mean, where's the common sense in this? GM is a heavyweight and when they come with Andretti, that's good for all of us."
Multiple applications have been lodged with the FIA – "more than five", as Ben Sulayem said. However, he also added: "Not all of them are serious, and not all of them are eligible to be at the pinnacle of the sport."
Andretti's persistence and deal with GM adds significant weight to their bid. Approval from the FIA will not be enough for the American or any of the other bids to reach the grid, though, as F1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media also has a say, as do the 10 existing teams.
Support among those competitors has been in short supply. Only Alpine and McLaren have demonstrated any real openness to Andretti joining the grid – the former expected to supply power units to the team if approved, and the latter because chief executive Zak Brown is friendly with Andretti.
