We've talked a lot about Christian Horner's potential Formula 1 return. Now, though, it seems as if the former Red Bull Racing boss is hoping to be part of a potential 12th team on the grid.
BYD, a leading electric car manufacturer in China, is thought to be eager to enter the sport. With F1 looking to move away from electric engines in the coming years, they'd be a surprise potential addition, but Horner has still reportedly had several meetings with BYD Vice President Stella Li.
Despite reports that he was looking to acquire a 24% stake in Alpine, all signs currently point to Horner banking on BYD finding a way into F1.
There had been some talk about the Chinese company acquiring a stake in an existing team. However, it seems the $125 billion company is instead hoping to place a bid that would see it join Cadillac as yet another new team fighting for championship success.
Adding further fuel to the fire is the fact that Horner recently appeared at the Cannes Film Festival as a guest of BYD, though it's hard not to wonder whether some of these inside sources are putting two and two together in the hope of making four.
At the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, Li said that she's "always in close contact" with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. "I like Formula 1 because it’s about passion and culture, and people dream of being in Formula 1," the executive added.
For what it's worth, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has said, "If there is a Chinese [bid], and I will speak on behalf of them[FOM] now in front of you, they will agree to that, because it is about sustaining the business."
Domenicali, however, has attempted to rein in expectations. "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."
While there is room for up to 12 teams on the grid, there are currently other far more likely candidates for that spot, if it were to be filled.
Horner was fired from Red Bull last year following a reported internal power struggle, which came after a sexual harassment investigation in early 2024.
Horner, who steered Red Bull to eight Drivers' World Championships and six Constructors' World Championships, denied any wrongdoing and ultimately had his name cleared. However, that combined with the team's decline in form at the start of the 2025 season—and concerns about Max Verstappen triggering his exit clause due to poor performance—ultimately led to Horner's dismissal.
Stay tuned for updates as we have them.