Zak Brown flags pit lane hurdle amid 12th F1 team speculation

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has highlighted a practical obstacle to Formula 1 expanding to a 12th team amid renewed speculation linking Chinese EV giant BYD to the grid. While staying neutral on the prospect, he pinpointed pit lane capacity at several circuits as an immediate operational concern.

Why it matters:

Adding a 12th team sounds straightforward, but Brown's comments highlight the real-world infrastructure constraints that come with growth. Unlike past debates focused purely on finances, the physical limitations of narrow pit lanes present a logistical headache that money alone cannot fix. His stance underscores how current teams are watching closely to ensure the economic ecosystem remains stable.

The details:

• BYD's vice-president Stella Li held exploratory talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Monaco Grand Prix, fueling speculation about the Chinese manufacturer's interest.
• Li also met with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner in Cannes in mid-May, signaling BYD is canvassing senior motorsport figures.
• The exact entry route remains undefined: options range from a standalone 12th team to a partnership with an existing constructor or a future power unit supply role.
• Brown emphasized that while he holds no voting power, infrastructure limitations at certain tracks could complicate race weekend operations for an enlarged grid.
• Any decision ultimately rests with the FIA and Formula 1, with Brown stressing the "economic balance" must be preserved.

What's next:

The BYD rumors are unlikely to fade while its leadership courts senior F1 figures. However, any formal entry would require the FIA to launch a tender process and assess whether the championship can logistically accommodate a larger grid. Brown's intervention serves as a reminder that expanding F1 is about more than adding logos—it's about making the pit lane work for everyone.