The president of Formula 1’s governing body denied ordering a recent wave of staff dismissals that included the removal of the race director with three events remaining in the season.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes Formula 1 should expand to 12 teams as it has the capacity to do so, asking, “Why not?” In January, F1 rejected Michael Andretti’s bid to join the series in 2026, but a U-turn was made when the American stepped aside to let General Motors take a stronger position over the prospective entry.

Formula One could expand to 12 teams now that General Motors' brand Cadillac has been accepted as the 11th from 2026, according to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The FIA wants to limit the ways its leadership can be held to account for bad governance after allegations were made against its president.