Chinese car company BYD is exploring a potential bid to enter Formula 1, as the electric car company evaluates a push into Motorsport.
The 2026 technical regulations featuring a 50:50 split of internal combustion and electrical power were central in attracting new engine manufacturers to F1, following a push from the FIA.
The push has seen Honda return to the sport with a full works operation working with Aston Martin, with Audi also making their debut as the highest profile addition.
While Cadillac run Ferrari power, parent company General Motors is developing its own power unit for debut for 2029, bringing three new names to the sport.
Now, according to Bloomberg, another engine manufacturer is eying a foray into the lucrative world of F1.
The report states that BYD is considering its options, with both F1 and world endurance racing cited as a potential option for the company, though no detail has been provided on the depth of discussions.
Could BYD fulfil an FIA desire?
The astronomical costs of entering F1 looks to be a barrier to entry at present, with no clear decision taken on diversifying into Motorsport.
BYD’s entry could fulfil the desire of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, to see a Chinese team on the grid.
“I still feel we need more teams than races,” Ben Sulayem said in 2024..
“”The drivers are coming to me and saying, ‘Please, no more races’.
“When we opened the Expression of Interest [in 2023], what was the outcome based on? Due process, competency framework, and without looking at which company it was, as long as it fulfilled the requirements of the FIA.
“We have an 11th team. I believe we should look into the performance of the 11th team, and then, if there is a Chinese [bid], and I will speak on behalf of FOM now in front of you, they will agree to that, because it is about sustaining the business.”
Should BYD enter F1, it would be the first Chinese company to enter the sport, bringing a wealth of benefits to the sport.
Whilst Chinese drivers in the sport have come and gone, a Chinese team or power unit on the grid would show a new level of engagement to the sport. Should BYD choose to proceed, it would be a fascinating new chapter for China’s F1 journey.
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