Lewis Hamilton has had his say on a potential twelfth team joining the grid, amid speculation about Chinese brand BYD.
Hamilton finally secured the first podium of his Ferrari career in China after a gripping battle with teammate Charles Leclerc at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The Ferrari duo were practically inseparable in both the sprint and the grand prix last week, however, team boss Fred Vasseur had no issues with his two drivers battling.
“I trust them, and for sure, it is always tricky because it is difficult to stop them, and I don’t want to ask them to freeze the positions, and I think it would be unfair," he told Sky Sports.
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Heading to round three in Suzuka, we are still yet to see all 22 drivers on the grid for a race start, due to the regulations providing new reliability concerns for the teams.
Cadillac are unsurprisingly yet to score a point, but the leniency in being the new kids on the block might come to an end sooner than expected, with speculation over a twelfth team.
According to Bloomberg, BYD Auto, China's biggest car manufacturer, is exploring a bid to join the grid, despite focussing on fully electric cars.
The report claims that BYD are 'exploring several options' across motorsport, which include either founding or buying an F1 team, or alternatively entering the FIA-administered World Endurance Championship.
Lewis Hamilton says 12th F1 team would 'be great'
Speaking during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton was asked on the reports of BYD's interest, and how F1 is growing in China.
“Well firstly, this circuit is phenomenal,” Hamilton told media via RacingNews365.
“That grandstand, it’s incredible. We did the drivers’ parade, we were looking at it, I took a picture of it, and it’s stood the test of time – the whole paddock, the whole place, and the track is awesome to drive.
“It’s one of the best tracks in the world and one I’ve always loved racing on, I think it’s great that racing and motor sport has continued to grow in China.
The Brit was keen to endorse a Chinese team, but didn't name BYD directly, adding: “You’ve got so many amazing car manufacturers here that are as good, if not better, than many around the rest of the world, so it could be great to see one come through at some stage.”
Hamilton's former Mercedes teammate and championship winner George Russell was also quizzed on the matter, and shared Hamilton's sentiment.
“For sure this is a race to stay. And regarding a Chinese brand, yeah, who knows? It could be a good addition, potentially," Russell said.
The FIA are believed to be open to the brand joining the grid, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali saying a 'bid of significance' would be considered.
Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Motorsport, Ferrari
Tom Jenkins