March 13, 2026 – The world’s largest EV maker explores acquiring an F1 team. New 2026 hybrid regulations align with BYD’s core EV expertise. Chinese rivals Geely, Nio, and Chery also target the elite racing series.
BYD Co., the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, is exploring a potential entry into Formula 1. Bloomberg first reported the move on March 10, citing people familiar with the matter. The Shenzhen-based company is evaluating options, including acquiring an existing team. This would make BYD the first Chinese automaker to compete in F1’s 76-year history.
A Strategic Push for Brand Prestige
BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s top EV seller in 2025. The company delivered over 2.25 million battery-electric vehicles last year. Its overseas sales surpassed 1 million units for the first time, up 150%. Revenue reached 566.27 billion yuan ($79.5 billion) in the first nine months of 2025. R&D spending hit $6.1 billion, rising 31% year-on-year.
However, raw sales have not delivered brand prestige. In Europe and North America, recognition remains low. F1 reaches over 20 countries every race weekend. A Nielsen study found F1’s Chinese fanbase grew 39% in 2024. Motorsport offers global exposure no ad campaign can replicate.
The Acquisition Route Makes Financial Sense
Building an F1 team from scratch costs over $500 million per season. Approval can take years of negotiation. General Motors paid $450 million in anti-dilution fees alone for Cadillac’s 2026 grid spot. Acquiring an existing team offers a faster path. Audi purchased the Sauber F1 operation for roughly €600 million. Bloomberg reports BYD prefers this acquisition route.
Renault-owned Alpine has emerged as a likely target. The team competes in both F1 and WEC. However, Renault CEO Luca de Meo reportedly rejected a $1.2 billion bid. Investment firm Otro Capital is separately seeking buyers for its Alpine stake.
New F1 Regulations Favour EV Expertise
The 2026 season introduced sweeping power unit changes. The MGU-K electric motor now delivers 350 kW, nearly three times the previous 120 kW. Roughly 50% of total output comes from the electric drivetrain. For BYD, which makes its own batteries and motors, this shift is strategically relevant. Its Yangwang U9 hypercar already produces 960 kW from four electric motors.
A Broader Chinese Motorsport Offensive
BYD is not acting alone. Several Chinese automakers are targeting elite racing. Chery Group partnered with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in December 2025 for a future Le Mans entry. Geely’s Lynk & Co brand competes in the FIA TCR World Tour through Cyan Racing. Nio won the inaugural Formula E drivers’ championship in 2015 and continues racing in the series. Together, these moves signal that China’s automotive industry is seeking global sporting credibility.
FIA Signals an Open Door
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly supported a Chinese entry. Speaking to Le Figaro, he called it the next logical step after Cadillac. A 12th team would expand F1’s commercial reach into Asia. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai this weekend offers a timely stage. Sources suggest BYD may use the event to outline its ambitions.
The Bottom Line
BYD’s potential F1 entry is strategic, not a vanity project. The company generates $80 billion in annual revenue. F1’s shift to electrification aligns with its engineering core. Taken together with moves by Chery, Geely, and Nio, this marks a pivotal moment. The country that now dominates EV manufacturing targets the world’s most prestigious racing grid.
Sources
1. Bloomberg – “China’s BYD Explores F1 Entry in First Auto Racing Push,” March 10, 2026.
2. Electrek – “BYD Explores Formula 1 Entry as It Looks to Boost Global Brand,” March 10, 2026.
3. CnEVPost – “BYD Reportedly Explores F1 Entry to Boost Global Brand Appeal,” March 10, 2026.
4. CarNewsChina – “BYD Plots Joining Formula 1,” March 10, 2026.
5. BlackBook Motorsport – “BYD ‘Explores’ Route Into F1,” March 11, 2026.
6. Carscoops – “China’s EV Juggernaut Wants to Race in Formula 1,” March 11, 2026.
7. BYD Company Disclosures – Q1–Q3 2025 Financial Results.
8. Nielsen – F1 China Fanbase Growth Report, 2024.
