Ex-Red Bull boss Christian Horner might become instrumental in Chinese EV giants BYD’s rumored bid to enter Formula 1.
Interest in F1 has ramped up, both from a sporting and a commercial side of things, in the recent times.
The 2026 technical overhaul has attracted big-name manufacturers like Audi, Ford and Cadillac into the fray – and it would appear a 12th team is teeming to get into the ranks.
BYD, now officially the leading electric car manufacturer, is rumored to be highly interested in placing a bid to enter the sport.
Hot on the heels of this particular news, Horner has seemingly also dropped his hat into this particular conversation after having reportedly concluded several meetings with BYD Vice President, Stella Li.
The former Red Bull Team Principal and CEO has been desperately looking for a way back into the paddock after his unceremonious ousting from the team last year in July.
While he was earlier reported to be in a bidding war against Mercedes for a 24% stake (held by Otro Capital) in Alpine, it would appear he now has his sights firmly set on bigger stakes.
BYD is not interested in acquiring minority stake, rather, the Chinese automobile giants want to leverage their $125bn net-worth on becoming F1’s 12th team on the grid.
No confirmation has been rendered by either of the parties but it is understood that Horner was at Cannes as a guest of BYD, further fueling the speculation around this potential partnership.
BYD confirms close contact with F1 amid potential entry rumours
The Chinese Grand Prix weekend was a crucial turning point in this ever-evolving story.
As it turns out, Li was in “close contact” with the FOM and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at Shanghai.
“We are always in close contact,” she said. “I like Formula 1 because it’s about passion and culture, and people dream of being in Formula 1.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has maintained a optimistic outlook with respect to a bid from BYD.
“If there is a Chinese [bid], and I will speak on behalf of them[FOM] now in front of you, they will agree to that, because it is about sustaining the business,” Ben Sulayem has said.
Domenicali, on the other hand, has erred on the side of caution. “We’ll only evaluate a bid of great significance because I think we’re already at a point with no more room; logistically, we’re at the limit,” the Italian said.
The current Concorde Agreement in place mandates place for up to 12 teams on the grid, therefore, a BYD bid is not out of place completely.
That said, if Andretti and Cadillac’s long-drawn-out tussle to get on the grid is anything to go by, BYD has a long road ahead if it is serious about entering the sport.
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