BYD and Geely could join Formula 1 as 12th team as FIA confirms discussions

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Formula 1 could welcome a Chinese manufacturer as its next new entrant, with BYD and Geely both having approached the sport's governing body regarding a possible entry into the championship.

According to a report by Brazilian motorsport publication Grande Prêmio, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that he had personally held discussions with both Chinese carmakers about their ambitions to compete in Formula 1.

Speaking at the New Economy Forum in Madrid, Ben Sulayem confirmed that both manufacturers had expressed an interest in joining the championship, although neither has submitted a confirmed entry.

The development comes as Formula 1 expands to 11 teams in 2026, following Cadillac's debut, while Audi has also entered the championship after taking over the former Sauber operation.

BYD wants its own F1 team

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Interestingly, BYD appears more interested in establishing its own Formula 1 operation rather than acquiring an existing team.

Ben Sulayem revealed that he had suggested the possibility of buying an established team to the Chinese manufacturer, but BYD preferred to pursue an independent entry.

The FIA president subsequently encouraged BYD to return with a credible business and technical proposal before any formal application process could be considered.

However, this does not mean BYD has committed to entering Formula 1.

The Chinese manufacturer has previously acknowledged discussions about participating in the championship, although its executives have also indicated that there is no concrete entry plan at present.

For BYD, which has built its global reputation around electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, a Formula 1 entry could provide an opportunity to establish its credentials in top-level international motorsport.

Geely also interested in F1

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BYD is not the only Chinese automotive group considering a potential Formula 1 entry.

Geely, the parent company of several automotive brands including Volvo, Proton, and Lotus, was also specifically named by Ben Sulayem as having expressed interest in joining the championship.

While Geely has extensive interests across the international automotive industry, the company has yet to reveal how it might approach a potential Formula 1 programme.

It remains unclear whether Geely would consider establishing a new team, acquiring an existing operation or pursuing another form of involvement.

Nevertheless, the prospect of either Chinese manufacturer entering Formula 1 could introduce another major automotive player to the championship, particularly as Chinese carmakers continue expanding their global presence.

FIA open to 12th team, but no 'special treatment'

Despite the interest from BYD and Geely, the FIA is not currently conducting a formal selection process for a 12th Formula 1 team.

Ben Sulayem has indicated that the championship does not necessarily need another entrant unless the proposed team can demonstrate sufficient value and long-term commitment.

The FIA president also stressed that Formula 1's technical regulations would not be modified specifically to accommodate Chinese manufacturers.

This is particularly relevant given BYD's expertise in electrified powertrains and Formula 1's introduction of revised hybrid power-unit regulations for 2026.

Any prospective Chinese entrant would therefore have to comply with the championship's existing technical and sporting requirements.

China’s involvement in Formula 1 so far

China’s ties to Formula 1 are not new, even if it has yet to field its own works team.

Guanyu

On the driver side, Zhou Guanyu remains the country’s biggest Formula 1 milestone. He became China’s first full-time F1 driver when he joined Alfa Romeo in 2022, and later became the first Chinese driver to contest his home Grand Prix in Shanghai when the Chinese Grand Prix returned in 2024.

China has also had a long-standing presence on the calendar through the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit. Formula 1 first raced there in 2004, making Shanghai one of the sport’s more established modern venues.

Bird's-eye view of the Chinese Grand Prix

While the race disappeared from the calendar between 2020 and 2023, it returned in 2024, meaning Formula 1 has been competing in Shanghai for more than two decades in historical terms.