Buy an existing team; FIA president's advice to Andretti

Andretti Cadillac should buy an existing team instead of pushing for an 11th entry that has been rejected by Formula One's owners, the head of the governing body has told Reuters.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who last year called for more teams and fewer races, said that he remained supportive of increasing the number but that quality was more important than quantity.

"I have no doubt FOM (Formula One Management) and (commercial rights holders) Liberty (Media) would love to see other teams as long as they are OEMs (car manufacturers)," the Emirati said at last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

"I would advise them (Andretti Cadillac) to go and buy another team, not to come as the 11th team.

"I feel that some teams need to be refreshed. What is better? To have 11 teams as a number or 10 and they are strong? I still believe we should have more teams but not any teams. The right teams.

"It’s not about the number, it’s about the quality."

U.S.-based Andretti Global is led by 1991 CART champion Michael Andretti, son of 1978 F1 world champion and 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario.

The FIA approved the application last year but FOM rejected it while keeping the door open for 2028 when General Motors, who own the Cadillac brand, might provide an engine.

The chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee this month launched an investigation.

"Without mentioning names, there are teams which are struggling...struggling with performance, struggling even with management," said Ben Sulayem.

"It’s about having the right team, not to lose a chance or an opportunity where someone like GM (General Motors) with a PU (power unit) is coming to Formula One.

"Imagine the impact. We have three races in America. We have such a huge