Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has ruled out the prospect of a 12th team joining the grid anytime soon, warning that the sport has reached its logistical limits despite growing global interest and record valuations for existing outfits.
The Italian’s comments come as Cadillac prepares to enter F1 in 2026, becoming the championship’s 11th team after a protracted vetting process and expanding the field to 22 cars for the first time since 2016.
Backed by General Motors, the American outfit will initially run Ferrari power units before introducing its own engines from 2029.
But Domenicali stressed that the championship has no appetite for further expansion, suggesting that interested parties should instead pursue existing teams if they want to join the sport.
“We have to be cautious,” Domenicali warned, quoted by Motorsport.com. “We’ll only evaluate a bid of great significance because I think we’re already at a point with no more room – logistically we’re at the limit.
“I see great interest from funds and investors looking to buy current franchises – let’s call them that – because a team’s value is growing exponentially, and therefore financial interest in investing in F1 is also increasing.
“We see it first-hand because we receive many enquiries, and the same happens to the teams. But precisely because things are going well, we must be prudent and protect the value of what we’ve built.”
Though smaller series like Formula 3 manage far larger grids, Domenicali highlighted challenges such as cramped paddocks and pitlanes at venues like Monaco, where space is already stretched.
Domenicali also reflected on the turbulent path to Cadillac’s eventual approval, which followed the FIA’s 2023 green light for Andretti Global.
F1 itself rejected Andretti’s initial bid in early 2024, citing a lack of competitiveness despite its GM links. Michael Andretti ultimately stepped aside, paving the way for the Cadillac project in its current form.
“We’ve always said it was fundamental for us [Liberty Media] to have a quality project on the table to evaluate in the medium and long term,” Domenicali explained.
“When we received the Andretti project, our view was negative – not because Andretti wasn’t good. Mario is a legend, an icon of this sport, and a friend. We simply didn’t see the substance behind the project that we consider necessary.
“Things changed when General Motors came in. We saw significant investment with a 10-year plan and immediately spoke favourably because we believe in this case the project can bring added value to the system.
“We’re already seeing it now – they’re investing in the US market to promote their new initiative, so that guarantees a benefit.”
With Cadillac’s entry secured, F1’s grid is set for its first expansion in a decade. But Domenicali’s message leaves no doubt: the threshold for any new team is higher than ever, and the door to a 12th entry is firmly shut.
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