Mohammed Ben Sulayem: the visionary working to expand Formula 1
It’s not just about V8 engines—the FIA president is also pushing for a larger Formula 1 grid as political discussions begin to gather momentum.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem is certainly not someone who stands still. Opinions about his leadership and the way he has reshaped the FIA vary widely, with many believing he has transformed the governing body into something resembling a highly personal arena. Most recently, new amendments to the FIA statutes have been introduced that could allow him to secure another presidential term beyond the one he has just renewed. If that happens, his presidency could become one of the longest in the organization’s modern sporting history.
Regardless of differing opinions, Ben Sulayem has undeniably driven a number of significant changes that are already influencing Formula 1 and the overall structure of the championship. The Emirati official clearly sees himself as a genuine game changer—someone determined to leave a lasting legacy for both the FIA and the pinnacle of motorsport.
One of his most talked-about initiatives has been promoting a new engine philosophy based on naturally aspirated V8 power units with a much smaller electric component than today’s hybrid engines. The target date is currently 2031, although an introduction as early as 2030 has not been ruled out.
These engines would be louder, significantly less expensive and, above all, far more engaging for both fans and drivers, many of whom have repeatedly called for a return to a more traditional Formula 1 experience.
However, this would not represent a return to an environmentally damaging past. Engine technology has advanced enormously, while sustainable fuels are now capable of powering engines that retain the character of previous generations but require far less electrification. Ben Sulayem clearly hopes to be remembered as the FIA president who brought noise, excitement and emotion back to Formula 1.
Expanding the grid is part of the same long-term strategy
His ambitions extend well beyond the engine regulations.
Ben Sulayem also deserves considerable credit for helping open Formula 1 to an 11th team and expanding the grid to 22 cars. He was the first senior figure to publicly support Michael Andretti’s proposal, backing the project throughout a lengthy political battle against Liberty Media and several existing teams that opposed adding another competitor capable of altering the championship’s financial balance.
Rather than focusing solely on the short-term commercial implications, Ben Sulayem adopted a broader perspective. He believed that welcoming a global automotive giant such as General Motors, through the Cadillac project, would ultimately strengthen the Formula 1 brand and increase its worldwide value.
Now, however, he appears ready to take the next step.
The former rally driver has openly expressed his desire to expand the Formula 1 grid from 22 to 24 cars by introducing a twelfth team.
The regulations already allow such a scenario, although turning it into reality would be extremely challenging. Approval would require the agreement of all eleven current signatories to the Concorde Agreement, as well as the support of Formula One Management, which remains controlled by Liberty Media.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a possible Chinese entry and the desire to leave a lasting legacy
Despite the political hurdles, Ben Sulayem has already begun publicly advocating for this expansion and has openly discussed the possibility of a Chinese manufacturer joining the Formula 1 grid.
Reports suggest that BYD has already initiated preliminary discussions and is evaluating the feasibility of entering Formula 1, either by acquiring an existing team or by establishing an entirely new operation.
Of course, none of this is likely to happen overnight. Projects of this scale require lengthy political negotiations, commercial agreements and extensive planning. Even so, the process appears to have already begun. Just as he did during the Andretti discussions, Ben Sulayem has started repeatedly raising the prospect of expanding Formula 1 to twelve teams.
It follows a strategy remarkably similar to the one he adopted regarding future engine regulations. He was among the first influential figures to strongly advocate bringing back V8 engines, continuing to promote the idea until manufacturers, teams and Liberty Media gradually began moving closer to his long-term vision.
At present, there is no immediate announcement to make, nor is there a confirmed twelfth team preparing to join Formula 1 in the near future. What clearly exists, however, is the political determination of an FIA president intent on leaving a profound mark on the championship’s future.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem remains one of Formula 1’s most controversial personalities. Yet it is entirely possible that he hopes history will remember him not simply as a centralising administrator, as critics often describe him, but as the president who fundamentally reshaped the sport. A transformation built around a larger grid, lighter Formula 1 cars, a stronger emphasis on pure racing and the return of engines capable of recapturing some of the passion and emotion that defined the sport’s golden eras.
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