2023 started off in dramatic fashion with Ben Sulayem posting a tweet ♕stating that he would look to expand the F1 g𝓡rid.

The move was met with a raft of criticism, particularly from F1 and the teams, who insisted there’s no need for an 11th team tꩵo potentially “dilute” the sport.

While the general stance from F1 has remained the same, the♌ FIA still accepted Andretti’s bid to become ♍the 11th team in 2025 or 2026.

However, they🥀 are still waiting on getting the green light from Liberty Media and the team from a co🗹mmercial perspective.

• FIA approve Andretti's team entry - but F1 stillไ need to ag🤡ree

Speaking to the in Austin, B♐en Sulayem claimed he was “attacked” and “abused” - but didn’t mention who was responsible.

“I went through hell,” he said. “I’m asking myself, ‘What did I do to deserve all of this attack in February and March? They attacked me, the 🦂day I opened the expression of interest.

“Even when my son died, they attacked me, abused me, jﷺust to break me, just because I opened for the whole world to enter. It was unnecessary, counterproductive, not good for business.

“They can say wh✃atever they want. At the end of the day, I was elected to take care of the sport. 

"Nothing goes into my pocket. We don’t have shareholders, we don’t have a board of directors to s✤hare the money, so🌊 my mission is different than theirs. That’s very clear.”

The 61-year-old still is unsure why he was criticised for opening ✱t🃏he doors for an Andretti entry.

“I don’t know, I really don’t know. Just because I opened an expression of interest," he 🦩added.

“We have a contract [the Concorde Agreement] for 12 [teams]. To have 12 and say ‘No, you are not allowed’… I am here for motorsport, the spirit of the s൲port.

“They look at the 𓃲money as a piece of cake and they will share it.”