The FIA president is ready to accept the Chinese team.

      In 2026, an American team under the Cadillac brand will join Formula 1, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is ready to open a new application process, expecting to see a team from China.

      Ben Sulayem emphasized that there is no urgent need for a 12th team in Formula 1, but considering the growth in popularity in recent years, the emergence of a Chinese team in the championship will further increase the attractiveness of Formula 1 in the world's largest business market.

      Mohammed Ben Sulayem: "I still believe that we need more teams than races. Drivers tell me, 'Please, enough races.'"

      When we opened the application process last time, we based it on procedures, the competency system, and FIA requirements. Now we have an 11th team. I think we should review the results of the 11th team, and then, if a Chinese application comes in—which I will now speak for FOM—they will approve it, because it’s about supporting the business.

      If a team from China appears, and FOM approves the application—and I am 100% confident in this—wouldn’t the arrival of China in Formula 1 bring more money? But we don’t need just a 12th team; we need the right team.

      One day, we will decide to open the application process again, but not for the sake of the process itself—the result has to be worth it. We believe that the 12th team should provide additional value to sustain the business of Formula 1, and the business of Formula 1 is not profit but the longevity of the championship itself.