Christian Horner is actively seeking a route back into F1 – and a potential 12th team could be a route.
Christian Horner has had serious discussions with Chinese manufacturer BYD about launching a 12th F1 team, but he is still considering other possibilities, as per RacingNews365. Horner’s non-compete clause with Red Bull ended, allowing him to explore opportunities in the sport after his departure in July 2025. He aims to become a shareholder within a team, potentially acquiring the 24% stake in Alpine currently held by Otro Capital. However, competition for the Alpine shares exists, as Mercedes is also interested in acquiring them.
Horner was approached by BYD during the Cannes Film Festival, where talks about the Chinese manufacturer entering F1 as a works start-up operation took place. While Horner is willing to assist BYD, his primary focus remains on the Alpine shares, with financial backing secured via a consortium he assembled. BYD’s entry into F1 would be challenging, as new teams typically face a lengthy process before joining the grid.
The entry of a Chinese team into F1 is of interest to the sport, but it would require the FIA to open another Expressions of Interest round. However, the prize fund distribution would become more diluted if another team was added, potentially affecting existing teams. The Concorde Agreement allows for up to 13 teams on the F1 grid, with the expansion to 11 teams this year. If BYD faces obstacles in creating a new team, they may explore purchasing an existing one, with Haas, Aston Martin, and Racing Bulls mentioned as potential targets.
