Theodore Racing could return to F1
The Theodore team, which participated in the Formula 1 World Championship between 1978 and 1983, might consider a return to the discipline. Its presence in GP2 and GP3 would be a solid foundation for a new approach to the highest level.
At the end of the 70s, after a period of sponsorship in Formula 1, Teddy Yip, a British billionaire based in Hong Kong, founder of the Theodore brand, decided to launch his own team. This is how Theodore Racing was born.
Prestigious drivers such as Keke Rosberg, Patrick Tambay, Eddie Cheever, and Marc Surer drove the red and white single-seaters without achieving any feats. Lacking significant results, the team closed its doors in 1983.
Today, the son of the brand’s founder, Teddy Yip Jr, is involved in various promotion formulas such as GP2 and GP3. He is notably the Team Principal of the Status Grand Prix team in GP2, and the Theodore brand also successfully sponsors Prema Powerteam.
Several commitments that could well lead to the brand’s return to Formula 1 as Yip explained to Autosport: If there are reasonable opportunities worth exploring, then we’ll see. Formula 1 is in such a state of excitement at the moment (…) But we are just putting the pieces in place like any successful motorsport business.
The brand is experiencing significant success and gaining esteem recognition in Asia. A market that could be interesting for Formula 1: « The Theodore legacy continues and remains incredibly strong in Asia, and our brand holds high prestige value in China. We have started a junior program in Asia, which could bring a new generation, and obviously, the outcome of this may allow us to reach even greater heights. In Asia, the highest formula is the Super Formula, so after the Super Formula and GP2, you scratch your head and ask yourself: “What’s next?”. »
