Following Cadillac’s entry, could the F1 grid expand even further? The 12th team hypothesis and the return of Horner
The 2026 Formula 1 season has certainly delivered its fair share of dramatic twists so far. Beyond a constantly debated regulatory overhaul—one that will perhaps never see unanimous consensus, drivers included—the grid itself has undergone significant transformations.
A full decade since it last happened, F1 has officially welcomed an 11th team back onto the track, following the entry of Cadillac spearheaded by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. (The last time the sport boasted an 11th team was back in 2016 with Manor).
However, the shake-ups might not end there. According to paddock rumors and whispers, F1 is allegedly in talks for a further expansion of its lineup, a move that could also trigger a sensational comeback: Christian Horner.
Horner at the helm of a 12th team on the grid? The hypothesis
Despite parting ways with the Red Bull world in July 2025, Horner has certainly not abandoned the idea of an eventual return to F1. On the contrary: in recent months, the former Milton Keynes team principal has officially entered negotiations to acquire a stake in Alpine (accounting for roughly 24% of the Enstone-based squad’s shares).
While locking horns with Toto Wolff over the Alpine project—as the Mercedes team principal has also reportedly eyed the opportunity—Horner’s potential comeback would therefore not be limited to the role of team principal, but would also see him as a direct shareholder.
As previously mentioned, however, the expansion might not stop with Cadillac’s sole entry. According to British media outlet PlanetF1, the circus could be poised to welcome yet another outfit to the paddock, thereby bringing the total number of cars on track to 24.
The British source suggests that back in April, Horner entered into talks with Stella Li, Executive Vice President of the Chinese automotive giant BYD, with the intent of becoming their F1 team principal.
The Shenzhen-based behemoth, which has experienced meteoric growth in recent years, views the circus—according to its Vice President—as “a possibility and an excellent proving ground to further test our technologies.”
The concept of a 12th team, once deemed unrealistic and perhaps pure utopia, could soon become a reality—especially if driven by heavyweights of Horner’s caliber and backed by a global giant like BYD.
