P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Revealed: Mystery F1 team backed by car manufacturer ready to join the grid
Former Aston Martin and Alpine boss, Otmar Szafnauer, has disclosed that a mystery car manufacturer is looking to become a 12th team in F1. Cadillac has been welcomed as the 11th team starting from 2026, making it the first time in a decade that 22 cars will be on the grid for the season opener next year. Initially, there was resistance from existing teams against the addition of an 11th team due to concerns about prize pool dilution, but after prolonged negotiations, F1 gave approval for Cadillac’s entry in 2026. The possibility of a 12th team is now being discussed, with Szafnauer having a pivotal role in the potential new project. In a recent interview, Szafnauer emphasized that the prospective team has the necessary financial backing to enter F1 successfully and is also open to taking over an existing team if the opportunity arises. He remains optimistic about the team’s success and readiness to compete once given the green light, aiming for a potential debut in 2028 or 2029 if F1 invites them to submit an Expression of Interest.
