The FIA has held discussions with Chinese automakers BYD and Geely about potentially joining Formula 1 as its 12th team.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the discussions at the Madrid New Economy Forum. He said both manufacturers had expressed interest in entering the sport.
Sulayem said the FIA could launch another expression-of-interest process if Chinese manufacturers show sufficient interest. However, any potential entrant must first present a credible project.
He also revealed that he had proposed BYD acquire an existing F1 team instead of building one from scratch. BYD rejected the suggestion, preferring to operate independently.
Sulayem added that the FIA would not change the technical regulations to accommodate a new Chinese team.
No Formal Expansion Process Yet
Formula 1 currently has 11 teams following its latest expansion. Cadillac joined the grid in 2026, while Audi entered through its acquisition of Sauber.
Unlike Cadillac’s entry, there is currently no formal process to introduce a 12th team. Any further expansion would depend on the quality of the proposals received.
Sulayem has previously stated that a Chinese manufacturer would receive priority if F1 decides to expand its grid again.
In a separate interview reported on 9 November, he said a potential 12th team must bring genuine value to Formula 1. This includes both competitive and commercial contributions.
New entrants must demonstrate that they can compete at the highest level. They must also show how they can support the sport’s long-term future.
The FIA has not confirmed any decision or timeline for another team. Any future entry will depend on the strength of the proposal rather than the manufacturer’s nationality alone.
