The world of Formula 1 is witnessing a seismic shift, an event few could have imagined: the return of the legendary Lotus racing team. This is not a fleeting rumor or a superficial branding exercise; it is a meticulously planned strategy, backed by the colossal Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely—the empire behind Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus itself. A name that once shaped F1 history with seven constructors’ championships and six drivers’ championships is now preparing for a comeback, promising to completely reshape the landscape of this prestigious racing series.
The Return of a Legend, Backed by a New Empire
In the 1950s, Colin Chapman founded Lotus, a team that not only conquered championships but also revolutionized Formula 1 with its daring ideas and relentless innovation. From the pioneering Monocoque chassis to mastering ground effect aerodynamics, Lotus left an indelible mark on F1 history. Legendary drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Mario Andretti all reached the pinnacle of glory with Lotus. The team secured a total of 79 Grand Prix victories, etching its name into the hall of fame of the greatest racing teams.
However, following Chapman’s sudden death in 1982, Lotus entered a long period of decline, facing financial troubles and managerial missteps. By 1994, Team Lotus officially vanished from the F1 grid. The Lotus name later resurfaced in the 2000s, but often under controversial circumstances that failed to truly reflect Chapman’s innovative spirit.
The real turning point came in 2017 when China’s Geely Group acquired a majority stake in Group Lotus. This deal completely transformed the brand’s destiny. Geely not only injected billions of dollars in investment but also brought a global perspective and an ambitious roadmap for development. Lotus quickly evolved from a small British sports car manufacturer into a luxury performance brand ready to compete with Porsche and Ferrari. Under Geely’s leadership, Lotus pushed decisively into the electric vehicle (EV) age and collaborated with Renault in the “Horse Powertrains” joint venture, providing the engineering firepower to create cutting-edge, high-performance engines.
With these capabilities, combined with international scale and financial stability, Lotus has now emerged as a genuine contender for a Formula 1 comeback. This time, all the pieces seem to be aligned: the FIA is openly supportive, F1 management is reportedly receptive, and Geely’s immense resources are fully in play. Lotus is no longer a historical relic but a modern powerhouse, positioning itself at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The Quest for the 12th Spot and the Showdown with Andretti
The debate surrounding the elusive 12th spot on the F1 grid has rapidly intensified. What began as quiet background conversations has now evolved into concrete negotiations involving one of the world’s largest automotive forces. All signs point to China, the planet’s biggest car market, preparing to make a landmark entry into Formula 1.
In a crucial development, FIA President Muhammad Ben Sulayem confirmed that both the FIA and Formula 1’s commercial management are aligned on welcoming a 12th team. This is a dramatic departure from the political standoff that thwarted Andretti and Cadillac’s previous attempt. Andretti’s bid, despite initially gaining FIA approval, was met with hesitation from Formula 1 management, which reportedly only shifted its stance after pressure from the U.S. Justice Department and the threat of billion-dollar anti-competition fines.
This time, however, the approach appears far more coordinated and direct. Ben Sulayem, speaking with rare precision, declared: “A Chinese team has stepped forward and discussions with Lotus are well underway. Once we reach the final phase of talks, I have no doubt that Formula 1 management will support the entry. It makes complete business sense. We do not need more races; we need the right teams, and this is exactly the kind of team that brings long-term value to the sport.”
Formula 1’s earlier rejection of Andretti on the grounds of insufficient commercial value looks increasingly outdated. Reports suggest that Liberty Media is now pushing Apple to raise its annual rights offer to $180 million, underlining how quickly the market is shifting. Ben Sulayem has also hinted at another opening process, saying, “The time will come when we feel it right to open an expression of interest,” echoing his unilateral call in early 2023 that paved the way for Andretti’s entry attempt.
Challenges and Game-Changing Potential
Adding a new team to the grid is never simple, as Andretti Cadillac’s stalled project proved, even with resources and political momentum. The most optimistic projection for their debut now sits closer to the end of the decade. However, a critical change could rewrite the economics of F1: serious discussions about a return to V8 engines are underway. Such a move could cut team budgets by nearly half compared to today’s expensive hybrid systems.
China’s overwhelming dominance in global car sales provides another layer of intrigue. With more than 30 million vehicles sold annually, its market surpasses those of the United States, Japan, and India combined. Against this backdrop, Geely’s candidacy for F1 gains added credibility. Their global reach and portfolio spanning Lotus, Renault, and Volvo perfectly suit Formula 1’s increasingly international direction.
For now, Liberty Media has remained silent on Ben Sulayem’s claims of alignment between the FIA and F1 management. But the president’s assertion that he speaks for both entities could ignite conflict, especially given the often-strained relationship between the sport’s two governing arms. If his words are not rooted in genuine consensus, it could become a new flashpoint in the power struggle shaping Formula 1’s future.
Lotus is no longer just a distant memory; it has once again become a movement, this time supported by one of the most influential automotive groups in the world. Geely’s ambition is not merely about filling the 12th grid slot; it is about redefining what a Formula 1 team should be in the modern era. With heritage in one hand and advanced technology in the other, this is no throwback; it is a revival wrapped in familiar colors but aimed at a new future. As Formula 1 approaches another era of upheaval, the question is no longer if Lotus will return; the only unknown is when and how disruptive their comeback will be.
