Formula 1 could potentially welcome the first Chinese team in its history in the coming years, with the possibility of expanding the grid to a twelfth official team. According to a report published by Bloomberg, the Chinese automotive giant BYD is currently evaluating the possibility of entering the Formula 1 world championship in the future.
For now, this remains only a hypothesis, but the interest from the Chinese manufacturer appears to be genuine. BYD, which is currently the world’s largest seller of electric vehicles, is closely observing a championship that in recent years has been undergoing a steady technological evolution increasingly oriented toward electrification.
Formula 1, could a new team join the grid? The possible scenarios
Entering Formula 1 remains an extremely complex challenge. The first obstacle concerns the cost required to secure a place on the grid, as well as the additional value that a new manufacturer must bring to the championship. Even very ambitious projects have had to follow long and complicated paths before becoming reality.
The most recent example is the case of Cadillac, which was able to launch its Formula 1 project only thanks to the backing of a major industrial giant such as General Motors.
Despite these challenges, the arrival of a Chinese manufacturer could represent a significant opportunity for Formula 1. A team coming from China could further boost the sport’s popularity in one of the most strategic markets in the world, helping Formula 1 strengthen its presence in the rapidly expanding Chinese automotive and technology sectors.
One possible scenario could involve BYD acquiring a stake in a team that is already competing in the championship, starting with a minority investment that could later evolve into a full acquisition.
This approach closely resembles the path taken by Audi. The German manufacturer began its Formula 1 journey in 2023 by purchasing a stake in Sauber, before completing the process with the full acquisition of the team in 2025. A similar model could prove to be a more sustainable strategy for a new manufacturer interested in entering Formula 1 gradually while gaining experience inside the championship.
FIA president’s support for a BYD entry
Another factor that could potentially support the arrival of a Chinese team in Formula 1 is the position expressed by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Emirati has repeatedly stated his ambition to expand the Formula 1 grid to twelve teams. According to his vision, the championship should eventually include at least one American team and one Chinese team.
Following the launch of the application process that ultimately led to the creation of the Cadillac Formula 1 project, the arrival of a Chinese manufacturer such as BYD would represent another important step in the broader strategy aimed at expanding Formula 1’s global reach.
The prospect of BYD entering Formula 1 highlights the sport’s increasing appeal to global automotive leaders focused on the future of electric and hybrid technology. While the path to the grid is fraught with financial and regulatory obstacles, the strategic alignment between F1’s growth and China’s industrial might makes this a rumor to watch closely. If successful, the addition of a 12th team would not only diversify the competition but also cement Formula 1 as the ultimate global platform for automotive innovation.
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