Key topic from Christian Horner’s sit-down with Stefano Domenicali emerge amid rumours

Horner is not just looking at joining an existing team, though. According to FunoAnalisiTecnica, he is also still interested in launching a brand-new F1 outfit.

The Briton reportedly met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to discuss creating a 12th team. The grid is already expanding to 11 teams in 2026 with the arrival of Cadillac, meaning the 2026 F1 season will have 22 drivers for the first time in ten years.

Horner also met with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and McLaren CEO Zak Brown for an informal dinner, exploring a return to the F1 paddock. Ben Sulayem is open to the FIA allowing a 12th team.

FunoAnalisiTecnica reported Sulayem’s comments on expanding the grid: “When we opened the Expression of Interest phase in 2023, what was the outcome based on?

“Due process, a framework of expertise and, regardless of the company involved, as long as it complied with the FIA ​​regulations and implementation.

“We have an 11th team. I think we should evaluate their performance and then, if there is an offer, they [FOM] will accept it because it’s about supporting the business.”

What F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said about the potential for a 12th team

While FIA president Ben Sulayem believes Formula One Management (FOM) would be open to adding a 12th team if Cadillac proves successful, F1 CEO Domenicali recently stated there is “no more room” in the paddock. The last time F1 had 12 teams was back in 2012.

Cadillac’s entry in 2026 will take up space currently available to the existing 10 teams and F1 operations. Domenicali has said he is only open to a truly compelling proposal that could grow the sport’s appeal, given the number of enquiries already coming in.

“We have to be cautious. 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,” Domenicali began by saying in September (via Autosport).

“I see great interest from funds and investors looking to buy current franchises – let’s call them that – because a team’s value is growing exponentially, and therefore financial interest in investing in F1 is also increasing.

“We see it first-hand because we receive many enquiries, and the same happens to the teams. But precisely because things are going well, we must be prudent and protect the value of what we’ve built.”

If Horner wants to build his own team, he will need to show Domenicali how it could benefit the sport. Andretti’s previous bid was turned down, with officials stating it did not bring enough value on its own before General Motors came into plans with their factory-run Cadillac outfit.