FIA president surprised by 'adverse reaction' to Andretti-Cadillac news

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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem took to Twitter on Sunday to express his surprise at "some adverse reaction" towards the plans of Andretti-Cadillac to enter F1.

Andretti Global and General Motors revealed this week that they are forming a joint venture that will aim to bring the famed Cadillac name to Grand Prix racing.

The news hit the wires just days after the FIA revealed that it was considering a new 'Expressions of Interest' process to gauge the interest and viability of potential teams that wish to enter f1 in the future.

Andretti's efforts to join the field have been met in the past year by a lot of resistance from Formula 1 which is reluctant to expand its field in order not to dilute the sport's current prize money fund.

Read also: Andretti and GM to bring Cadillac brand to F1!

However, Andretti's involvement with General Motors is a major credibility boost to the US outfit's project and one that can no longer be disdainfully brushed aside by F1's incumbents.

Formula 1's reaction to the news was seen as lukewarm at best while, astonishingly, not a single mention of the Andretti-Cadillac project was found on the sport's official website!

"There is great interest in the F1 project at this time with a number of conversations continuing that are not as visible as others," was F1’s laconic response on Thursday.

"We all want to ensure the championship remains credible and stable and any new entrant request will be assessed on criteria to meet those objectives by all the relevant stakeholders.

"Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA."

While Formula 1 was not directly named by Ben Sulayem in his tweet on Sunday, it was nevertheless very clear whom the FIA president was targeting.

"It is surprising that there has been some adverse reaction to the Cadillac and Andretti news," he wrote.

"The FIA has accepted the entries of smaller, successful organisations in recent years.

"We should be encouraging prospective F1 entries from global manufacturers like GM and thoroughbred races like Andretti and others.

"Interest from teams in grown markets adds diversity and broadens F1’s appeal."

A conflict or tug-of-war is now brewing in plain site between Formula 1 and motorsport's governing body, with the latter determined to showcase its authority.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.