Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, has suggested the Formula 1 grid could expand beyond 22 cars to include a twelfth team, potentially from China. Speaking during the British Grand Prix weekend in July 2024, he emphasized that the sport should grow by adding more teams rather than more races, highlighting the possibility of a Chinese team entering Formula 1 as part of this expansion.
Current Grid Expansion Plans and Resistance from Stakeholders
Formula 1 is already set to increase its grid size from 20 to 22 cars with the arrival of Cadillac in 2026. However, this addition has faced opposition from Liberty Media and most of the existing ten teams. Despite this resistance, Ben Sulayem has consistently advocated for expanding the grid, arguing that introducing new teams is beneficial for the sport’s evolution and business prospects.
Discussions Involving Chinese Manufacturers and Potential Teams
Although no official application from a Chinese team has been made, reports indicate that the FIA has been in discussions with Chinese automakers interested in joining Formula 1. One key player in these talks is Geely, a Chinese company with significant involvement in the sport, including a 17 percent stake in Aston Martin Lagonda and a partnership with Renault in the Horse Powertrain project focused on hybrid and combustion engines.
Links Between Chinese F1 Racer Guanyu Zhou and Geely
Ferrari reserve driver Guanyu Zhou, noted as China’s first full-time Formula 1 racer, maintains a close connection with Geely. In previous statements, he acknowledged the company’s “high interest” in entering the sport, suggesting that a Chinese team backed by Geely could be a realistic prospect for Formula 1’s future grid expansion.
Criteria for Meaningful and Strategic Grid Enlargement
While encouraging the idea of more teams, Ben Sulayem cautioned that any addition must be the “right team” to preserve the integrity of the sport. He recognized concerns from current stakeholders who worry about dividing revenues further but pointed out that overall income in Formula 1 is growing steadily, potentially supporting new entrants without harming existing teams.
“There have been discussions. I still believe we need more teams, not more races. If a Chinese team were to apply, I can tell you – speaking now on behalf of FOM – that they would be all for it because it would be good for business.” —Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
“Do we have to add a twelfth team just for the sake of it? No, it will have to be the right team.” —Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
“I speak as a sportsman and I would like to preserve the spirit of sport. Clearly, the others would say that the pie should now be divided among 11, and that is an argument I understand. However, revenues are growing steadily.” —Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
Implications for Formula 1’s Future and Potential Growth
The possibility of a Chinese team joining Formula 1 could not only expand the grid but also enhance the sport’s global reach, particularly in Asian markets. If negotiations with Chinese automakers like Geely progress, Formula 1 could benefit from fresh investments and increased fan engagement in the region. However, the final decision will depend on finding the right candidate that aligns with the sport’s competitive and financial standards, signaling a cautious but optimistic approach toward grid expansion.
