FIA Confirms BYD and Geely Talks Over Potential F1 Entry
Mohammed Ben Sulayem , president of motorsport’s governing authority, backs a Chinese manufacturer as Formula One’s 12th team , but demands a viable proposal with no formal expansion process underway FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayen The FIA has held talks with Chinese automakers BYD and Geely about a potential entry into the Formula One World Championship, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed. Sulayem said he would prefer to see a Chinese manufacturer join the grid as F1’s 12th team if the championship expands again. Speaking at the New Economy Forum in Madrid, Ben Sulayem reiterated his preference for China to provide F1’s next new entrant. But unlike Cadillac’s arrival in 2026, there is currently no formal process underway to expand the championship again. “The FIA can open the door for a 12th team,” Ben Sulayem said. “But do we need a team? No. We don’t need a team, we need the team.” F1 expanded to 11 teams this season with Cadillac , while Audi entered throug...