As F1 continues to grow in popularity, the sport itself continues to grow with the potential of adding yet another new team to the grid.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali is reportedly in talks with BYD to enter F1 as the 12th team, bringing the Chinese automotive industry into the sport.
FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem has also shown his support for a 12th team.
Current expansion
2026 saw the expansion of the F1 grid from 10 teams to 11 for the first time in a decade as it welcomed the Cadillac F1 team, backed by General Motors.
Considering the growth of the sport in the USA, Cadillac’s entrance was a move that higher-ups in the sport’s governance believed would bring value to the product, something which Ben Sulayem has stated a 12th team must bring.
Cadillac’s entrance also brought a much-welcomed financial benefit as they paid a £358 million dilution fee to join the sport.
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Future expansion wishes
Ben Sulayem was keen to get an American and a Chinese manufacturer on the grid, one of which he has already achieved.
Speaking on this goal, he said some time ago to Le Figaro: “It’s been my dream for the last two years that the big countries should have a presence in F1.
“The United States will be with General Motors. The next step is to welcome a Chinese manufacturer.”
The next team?
BYD, the biggest Chinese car manufacturer and a leader in electric vehicles, has previously expressed a general interest in joining the sport.
However, things have progressed.
During the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, BYD vice president Stella Li sat down with Domenicali to discuss the details of a potential entrance into the sport.
Speaking to Sportmediaset at the Beijing Auto Show, Li said: “We met with Stefano Domenicali in Shanghai and we’re always in close contact.
“I like Formula 1 because it’s all about passion and culture, and people dream of being part of it.”
When asked outright as to whether BYD is interested in joining the sport, Li said: “Yes, it’s something we are discussing.”
If talks progress, F1 could welcome its first Chinese manufacturer, marking another major step in the sport’s global expansion.
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SportJustSport writers