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Formula 1’s grid is set to expand once again, with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem eyeing a bold new frontier: a Chinese manufacturer. Fresh off approving Cadillac’s 2026 entry as the sport’s 11th team, Ben Sulayem revealed his vision to welcome a 12th squad from China, calling it the “next step” in F1’s global expansion.
With Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu already etching his name in history as the nation’s first F1 racer, the move could redefine the sport’s reach—but only if the new team meets F1’s high bar for competitiveness.
The FIA blueprint: From Cadillac to China, Formula 1’s global ambitions
The FIA’s push for diversity isn’t just about geography—it’s about legacy. After securing Cadillac’s arrival as part of General Motors’ commitment to F1, Ben Sulayem now aims to bring a Chinese automaker into the fold. “It’s been my dream for the last two years that the big countries should have a presence in Formula 1,” he told Le Figaro.
“The United States will be with GM. The next step is to welcome a Chinese manufacturer. We already have a driver.”
That driver is Zhou Guanyu, who made history in 2022 as China’s first F1 competitor. Though Zhou lost his Sauber seat for 2025, his new role as Ferrari’s reserve driver keeps him tethered to the sport—and positions him as a potential ambassador for a future Chinese team.
Why Geely Fits the Formula
Among China’s automotive giants, Geely stands out. The conglomerate, owned by billionaire Li Shufu, already has stakes in Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Volvo, and Lotus. Last year, Zhou hinted at Geely’s interest in F1 during talks about a potential Alpine move, noting his role as an ambassador for Geely’s electric brand, Zeekr. “They have a high interest in Formula 1,” Zhou said, adding that Geely is exploring “which way” to enter the sport.
Geely’s collaboration with Renault on HORSE Powertrains—a joint venture for road-car engines—further signals its technical ambitions. While not a direct F1 play, the partnership showcases Geely’s knack for global alliances, a skill critical for surviving F1’s cutthroat environment.
F1’s Tightrope Walk
Ben Sulayem’s enthusiasm for expansion comes with a caveat: new teams must raise the bar. “Should we think in terms of quantity or quality? We need quality teams,” he stressed. Cadillac’s delayed approval—initially rejected over competitiveness concerns—proves F1 won’t compromise its standards. A Chinese entry would need robust engineering, funding, and a Zhou-like figure to rally fan support.
The Zhou Factor
Zhou’s connection to Geely adds intrigue. Could he return to the grid with a Chinese team? “I’m convinced they will try everything for me,” Zhou said cryptically last year. His popularity in China, coupled with Geely’s resources, makes this more than a pipe dream.
From Cadillac’s star-spangled debut to China’s looming arrival, Formula 1 is racing toward a new era of globalization. While Ben Sulayem’s “dream” hinges on finding a manufacturer that blends ambition with excellence, the groundwork is laid: Zhou’s presence, Geely’s clout, and F1’s unrelenting growth. As the grid expands, so does the sport’s promise—one nation, one team, one revolution at a time.
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