Stefano Domenicali rules out 12 Formula 1 teams unless a huge offer arrives. Stefano Domenicali confirms Formula 1 will remain at 11 teams.

Stefano Domenicali believes that 11 teams is the maximum limit for today’s Formula 1, unless an offer of extraordinary importance arrives.

F1 with 12 teams, Stefano Domenicali says no
Formula 1 is closing the doors to new entries. President Stefano Domenicali considers that the grid has reached its maximum capacity with the expected arrival of Cadillac in 2026. He said he would only be willing to change his position if an exceptionally valuable proposal were to come.

Stefano Domenicali’s words
We will only evaluate an offer of major significance because I believe we have already reached a point where there is no more space; from a logistical perspective, we are at the limit, explained the executive from Imola. He pointed out that there is a great deal of interest from investment funds and buyers who want to acquire existing teams, as the value of each Formula 1 outfit is growing exponentially and financial interest in the sport is increasing. According to Domenicali, Liberty Media and the teams receive many such requests, which makes it even more important to remain cautious and to protect the value of what has been built so far.

Stefano Domenicali must look after the financial interests of Liberty Media and of the teams. Even with the Andretti project he kept the door closed until General Motors entered the picture and Michael Andretti stepped back. He stressed that Liberty Media had always said it was essential to evaluate only quality projects with medium and long-term vision. When the Andretti application arrived, Domenicali explained that the opinion was negative because they did not see the necessary substance in the project. By contrast, when General Motors became involved, the investment was significant, with a ten-year plan, and Formula 1 gave immediate approval because in that case the project could genuinely bring added value to the system.

The stance of Stefano Domenicali is logical. Formula 1 has little desire to return to 12 teams because this would once again raise the issue of revenue sharing: with one more team and the same overall income, each slice of the pie would inevitably be smaller. However, the same Imola-born manager admitted that he would reconsider if an irresistible offer were presented, just as happened with the case of Andretti. In short, the door is closed, but there remains a way to open it.