Ben Sulayem wants Chinese manufacturer as 12th team in F1

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed his desire to see a Chinese manufacturer join Formula 1 as the grid’s 12th team, adding a representation from the world’s largest automotive market.

General Motors’ legendary brand Cadillac is set to join the grid in 2026, expanding the sport’s current field to eleven teams and twenty-two cars.

But while Formula 1 has featured a Chinese driver – Zhou Guanyu – in its ranks during the past three seasons, Ben Sulayem has made it clear that welcoming a Chinese automaker has been his personal goal for some time.

“You read my mind,” he said to French publication Le Figaro when asked about the possibility. “It’s been my dream for the last two years that the big countries should have a presence in Formula 1.”

Building on Recent Expansion

Ben Sulayem’s comments come after the successful entry into the sport of Cadillac, through its partnership with financial group TWG owned by Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea FC owner Mark Walter.

This marked the culmination of a protracted process initiated by Andretti Global and later transformed into a collaborative effort with Cadillac.

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With the U.S. now represented through General Motors, Ben Sulayem is keen to turn his attention to China.

“The United States will be with General Motors,” he noted. “The next step is to welcome a Chinese manufacturer. We already have a driver.”

Quality Over Quantity

However, Ben Sulayem emphasized that any new entrant must meet F1’s rigorous standards.

“Should we think in terms of quantity or quality? We need quality teams,” he said, underscoring the FIA’s commitment to maintaining the high standards required for success in the sport.

A Chinese team’s entry would align with Formula 1’s strategic efforts to expand its presence in key markets.

As a reminder, the Chinese Grand Prix recently secured a contract extension through 2030, cementing the nation’s role in the sport’s long-term vision.

China’s automotive market is unparalleled, producing over 30 million cars annually—more than the United States, Japan, and India combined.

A Chinese marque like Geely could be a natural fit for Formula 1, given its global presence and stakes in brands like Volvo, Lotus, and Renault.

Geely’s joint venture with Renault in 2024, forming HORSE Powertrains, further bolsters the case for its entry.

The company specializes in producing engines for multiple brands, showcasing the technical expertise required to compete at the highest level in motorsport.

The Road Ahead

With Formula 1’s continued push for internationalization, the inclusion of a Chinese manufacturer would be a significant milestone.

For Ben Sulayem, it represents more than just growing the grid – it’s about uniting major global markets under the Formula 1 banner.

The dream of a Chinese team may still be in its infancy, but with the FIA president’s support and the sport’s increasing focus on China, the vision of a Chinese manufacturer on the F1 grid is edging closer to reality.

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