The battle for control of Formula One between the FIA and the Commercial Rights Holder was very much exposed in their respective reactions to the Andretti-Cadillac announcement made on Thursday. While FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem warmly welcomed the news that General Motors was getting involved in Formula One soon, Formula 1’s reaction to the news was, at best, lukewarm, making a point of reminding that any new team also needs to get its green light to start competing in Grand Prix racing. Therefore, his statement following the press conference where details of the deal between the American team and General Motors were explained, was a full congratulatory message to this new venture: “Today’s news from the United States is further proof of the popularity and growth of the FIA Formula One World Championship under the FIA’s stewardship. Any new entrant request requires the agreement of both F1 and the FIA.”

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