BYD must make 'serious offer' to become F1's 12th team
Summary
FIA's Ben Sulayem is open to a 12th F1 team, but says BYD must join on F1's terms—not its own. He wants a 'serious offer' and no rule changes for Chinese manufacturers.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has opened the door to a 12th F1 team, but says any candidate—especially BYD—must join on F1's terms.
Why it matters:
A 12th team would be the first grid expansion since Cadillac joined in 2026. A Chinese entry backed by BYD could tap into a huge market, but Ben Sulayem insists regulations won't change for newcomers.
The details:
- Speaking in Madrid, Ben Sulayem said the FIA can open a new expression of interest process. "We don't need a team, we need the team," he said, adding it "has to come from China."
- BYD wants a brand-new entry, not an existing squad like Audi took over at Sauber. Geely is also interested.
- FIA's stance: Ben Sulayem told both manufacturers they'd need to submit a serious offer. He said China leads in electrification, but hydrogen, hybrid and sustainable fuel are also options—so rules will stay permanent.
- Precedent: Cadillac became the 11th team via the 2023 EOI process. Audi and Honda were drawn in by the 2026 regs, but future rules won't be tailored for Chinese brands.
What's next:
F1 moves to V8 engines in 2031, a logical entry point for a new manufacturer. Before that, BYD must present a "serious offer." If it does, the grid could grow—but only on F1's terms.
Original Article :https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/byd-has-to-make-serious-offer-to-become-f1s-1...
