Zak Brown warns of pit-lane challenges as BYD interest fuels 12th-team debate

Zak Brown flags practical concerns over a 12th F1 team

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has identified a potential operational obstacle to Formula 1 expanding to 12 teams, as rumours grow around interest from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD.

Li has also met other senior figures in the paddock. Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner held lengthy conversations with her in Cannes, France, in mid-May, before attending Formula E’s two Monaco races. The latest developments have therefore added substance to speculation surrounding BYD’s potential involvement, although no entry has been confirmed.

The manufacturer’s intentions remain unclear. BYD could potentially examine the possibility of entering as an entirely new team, partnering with an existing operation or becoming a power unit supplier. At this stage, there is no indication which route, if any, it is considering.

The wider question of Christian Horner’s future in the championship has also been discussed elsewhere, as outlined in recent reporting on a possible Formula 1 return.

Pit-lane capacity and the economics of expansion

Brown said he had not given much thought to the prospect of a 12th team, but immediately pointed to the physical limitations some circuits could face. In particular, he questioned whether every venue on the calendar would have enough pit-lane space to accommodate another operation.

“I haven’t thought about it,” Brown said. “I guess if I want to give it two seconds of thought, you’ve got operational issues with some of the circuits, whether they could have the capacity.”

His position remains neutral, with the final decision resting outside McLaren. Brown stressed that the FIA and Formula 1 would need to determine whether the economic balance was appropriate before approving any expansion.

“Ultimately, it’s up to the FIA and Formula 1,” he added. “I think, like before, you just want to make sure the economic balance is right, but I don’t really have a strong view one way or another, nor do I have a vote.”

Brown said McLaren would accept whichever outcome the sport’s governing bodies considered best. “If they think it’s good for the sport, then let’s have a 12th team. If they think it’s not, we’ll stay with what we’ve got.”