BOMBSHELL 🛑 FIA’s HUGE DECISION About F1’s 12th Team Just Got LEAKED & SHOCKS The ENTIRE F1 WORLD!
The world of Formula 1 is on the brink of a historic shift, with mounting speculation about the potential addition of a 12th team to the grid. Following Cadillac’s confirmed entry with Andretti for 2026, recent leaks suggest that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is pushing for even greater expansion—this time eyeing China as the next frontier. While the idea of returning to a 24-driver format excites fans, the ongoing debate about prize money dilution and competitive balance raises critical questions. Could we see a Chinese-backed team join the F1 grid in the near future?
Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer has openly admitted to working with American investors and car manufacturers to present a solid case for a 12th team. While his influence within the FIA and FOM is limited, his involvement highlights how private funding and strong manufacturer backing can make an F1 entry more feasible than ever. This follows a similar trajectory to Cadillac’s successful bid, which faced fierce opposition from existing teams before ultimately securing a place on the grid.
China’s involvement in Formula 1 has been minimal despite its growing influence in global motorsports. However, the presence of Zhou Guanyu as the sport’s first Chinese driver and his strong ties to Geely—a powerhouse in the automotive industry with stakes in Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Volvo, and Lotus—raises an intriguing possibility. Zhou has publicly stated that Geely could serve as China’s gateway into F1, and with FIA President Ben Sulayem strongly advocating for a Chinese manufacturer’s inclusion, the pieces of the puzzle seem to be aligning.
Nevertheless, hurdles remain. The dilution fund required to compensate existing teams for revenue loss due to an additional competitor could be a major sticking point. FOM and current team owners have already expressed concerns about a crowded grid, citing Haas’ struggles since joining in 2016 as an example of how new entrants often fail to challenge the established order. Moreover, geopolitical tensions and economic rivalries could complicate China’s ambitions in F1, despite the nation’s vast resources and technological expertise.
While discussions surrounding a 12th team remain speculative, the FIA’s aggressive expansion strategy signals a shifting dynamic in Formula 1. With General Motors already securing a place through Cadillac, and China emerging as a potential powerhouse, the sport’s future could look very different in the coming years. The question now is whether the FOM and existing teams will embrace or resist this evolution. Would Zhou Guanyu’s influence be the key to unlocking China’s long-awaited entry into the pinnacle of motorsport? Only time will tell.
