Horner-BYD, the project that could revolutionise Formula 1 is launched: the Circus is considering a twelfth team

Formula 1 watches, studies and waits. But in the paddock the topic has already become central. Christian Horner and BYD could soon join forces in a project destined to change the balance of the Circus. An idea that in recent hours has been heating up the market and could open completely new scenarios for the future of the category.

The former Red Bull team principal, following the separation that brought to an end one of the most successful eras in modern Formula 1, would be working behind the scenes to build a new competitive structure. Alongside him would be BYD, the Chinese electric-vehicle giant and today one of the most aggressive brands in the global challenge to European and American manufacturers.

The idea would not be simply to enter Formula 1, but to do so with a project capable of taking the grid to twelve teams.

Horner back in the spotlight: aim is a new team in Formula 1

Christian Horner does not want to stay away from the paddock. After years of success with Red Bull, the British manager would be preparing his return with an even more central role, not limited to sporting management but also extending to the business side.

In Formula 1 circles, there is talk of confidential meetings, contacts with international investors and talks already under way with leading figures from the automotive sector. Horner would have identified BYD as the ideal partner to give life to a new technical and commercial reality.

The English executive continues to have enormous credibility in the paddock. The ability shown in building the Red Bull project, culminating in the world titles won first with Sebastian Vettel and then with Max Verstappen, represents a guarantee for any investor intending to enter the Circus.

BYD looks at Formula 1: the Chinese giant accelerates in motorsport

BYD's interest in Formula 1 reflects the Chinese brand's new global strategy. The company wants to consolidate its presence in Europe and use motorsport as a tool for international expansion.

In recent years, Formula 1 has become increasingly attractive to major manufacturers. Audi will make its official debut in 2026, Cadillac is finalising its own entry and other brands are closely monitoring the evolution of the championship.

For BYD, entering the Circus would mean associating its name with technology, innovation and extreme performance. A move of huge media value, especially at a time when the electric market is facing increasingly fierce global competition.

According to rumours circulating in the paddock, talks have already taken place in the last few weeks between Horner and Stella Li, BYD's executive vice-president. Meetings that would have centred precisely on the possibility of building a Formula 1 programme in the medium term.

The technological challenge that can change the balance of the Circus

The possible alliance between Horner and BYD would not just be a commercial operation. Behind the project there would also be a precise technical strategy.

With the new regulatory cycle now just around the corner, many manufacturers are considering Formula 1 as an advanced laboratory to develop hybrid technologies, energy management software and high-performance systems.

BYD, today the world leader in batteries and electric mobility, could use the championship to accelerate technological development further and strengthen its premium image in Western markets.

Twelfth F1 team: the FIA watches, the teams remain divided

However, the possible entry of a new team continues to divide the paddock. After the approval of the eleventh team led by Cadillac, the prospect of a twelfth structure is generating contrasting opinions among the teams currently present.

On one side, there are those who see the arrival of new manufacturers as positive, believing it is essential to broaden the championship's international dimension. On the other, several teams fear that a new redistribution of revenues could reduce the economic value of the current shares.

The drivers are also following the situation closely. Max Verstappen recently spoke of Formula 1's global growth as a phenomenon “never seen before”, while Lewis Hamilton underlined how important it is to attract “new brands and new technologies” to keep the championship at the top of world motorsport.

The economic issue remains central

To turn the project into reality, several political and financial steps will be needed. The FIA will have to assess the sporting sustainability of the new entry, while Formula One Management will analyse the commercial impact of the operation.

But the real obstacle remains economic. Entering Formula 1 today requires enormous investment and a technical structure already ready to compete quickly. That is precisely why Horner's presence would be a decisive element: experience, relationships and organisational ability could speed up the whole process.

Formula 1 increasingly global: Horner-BYD could be the next revolution

In recent years, Formula 1 has changed its face. The championship has become a global platform capable of bringing together sport, technology, marketing and industrial geopolitics.

BYD's possible entry would confirm this transformation. After decades dominated almost exclusively by European brands, the Circus is in fact attracting more and more investors from the United States, the Middle East and Asia.

Christian Horner knows this well. And that is precisely why his possible return to Formula 1 could have a much bigger impact than a simple management operation.

For now, these are only rumours, but in the paddock no one any longer sees this lead as a market fantasy. Because when a manager like Horner moves, Formula 1 always listens carefully.