Formula 1 Rumor: Ben Sulayem eyes China for 12th F1 team (Update)

(GMM) Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stepped up his re-election campaign a further notch by suggesting the Formula 1 grid could be expanded even more.

Fans are now looking forward to the debut of the sport’s all-new eleventh team, Cadillac, next year, but the move faced staunch opposition by F1’s owner, Liberty Media, and the bulk of the ten existing teams.

Controversial FIA boss Ben Sulayem, however, was always a supporter of the new eleventh team, although he now faces a battle to retain his job as fierce critic Tim Mayer launches a rival bid for the presidency of F1’s governing body.

Ben Sulayem began his campaign for re-election at Silverstone, where he tantalizingly suggested he still supports the end of F1’s ‘hybrid’ power unit era – and the return of loud, light and fan-pleasing V8 engines.

And now, with F1 expanding from 20 cars to 22 for 2026, the 63-year-old said he thinks the grid could also handle a full house of 24 cars.

“There have been discussions,” Ben Sulayem told journalists.

“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.”

The Times newspaper says no Chinese bid is in the works at the moment but believes the FIA has engaged in discussions with Chinese manufacturers about establishing a Formula 1 team.

A leading candidate could be Geely, holder of a 17 percent stake in Aston Martin Lagonda, and also involved in a joint venture with Renault called Horse Powertrain, focusing on internal combustion and hybrid engine development.

Former F1 driver, and now Ferrari reserve, Guanyu Zhou has a close relationship with Geely, and has previously indicated that the Chinese giant has a “high interest” in Formula 1.

Ben Sulayem continued, “Do we have to add a twelfth team just for the sake of it? No, it will have to be the right team.

“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,” he added.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem (pictured) is very open to a Chinese-owned team becoming the 12th F1 team in the near future.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The Concorde Agreement allows for up to 12 teams and Ben Sulayem has made it clear that a bid from China would be welcomed.

“I still feel we need more teams than races,” said Ben Sulayem, speaking to a small group of media.

“When we opened the Expression of Interest [in 2023], what was the outcome based on? Due process, competency framework, and without looking at which company it was, as long as it fulfilled the requirements of the FIA.

“We have an 11th team. I believe we should look into the performance of the 11th team, and then, if there is a Chinese bid, and I will speak on behalf of FOM now in front of you, they will agree to that because it is about sustaining the business.”

“If there is a team from China, let’s say, and FOM approved it, and I am 100 percent sure they will approve it, wouldn’t it make more money with China coming in? I believe, yes,” he said.

“Do we have to fill up [the grid] with a 12th F1 team for the sake of filling up [the grid] with a 12th team? No. It will have to be the right team.”

“The time will come when we feel it right to open an Expression of Interest,” he said.

“We are not here to upset the other teams, but it won’t be just for the sake of doing it. It has to be worth it.

“For us, the 12th F1 team has to add value to sustaining the business of Formula 1, and the business of Formula 1 is not only about the income; it’s about the longevity of the championship itself.”