BYD Confirms Talks to Join Formula 1

Eyes on the Grid

Following reports during last month’s Chinese Grand Prix that BYD was considering a move into Formula 1, Nikkei Asia has confirmed the automaker is now in talks with the series. BYD Vice President Stella Li said participating in the sport would be a good opportunity to “put our technology to the test.”

That would be an interesting development, given that BYD does not have an extensive motorsports program. But for those who haven’t been following F1 closely, the 2026 engine regulations place greater emphasis on electric motors, particularly the motor-generator unit (MGU-K). It now has a near 50–50 power split with the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6, putting hybrid technology in the spotlight – something BYD already has in its portfolio.

Playing to Its Strengths

BYD offers a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle lineup called DM-i, but because the U.S. remains largely closed to China-made cars, these models are still unfamiliar to many. More recognizable, perhaps, is the automaker’s battery electric vehicle lineup, especially after making headlines for challenging Tesla in global BEV sales – and even surpassing it in 2025.

Another hurdle is the “enormous cost” of entering F1. This would be even more significant if BYD somehow became the 12th team on the grid alongside McLaren and Mercedes-AMG. However, the report stated that the Chinese automaker does not necessarily need to establish a new team; becoming a power-unit supplier or sponsor is also on the table.

A Global Stage

If BYD successfully makes its way into F1, it would be a major boost for its brand, given that races are held across multiple continents. F1 also has a rich history that helped forge brands like Ferrari, and it is often described as the pinnacle of motorsport. If anything, BYD would need to bring its A-game.

So far, though, the automaker has drawn attention after its luxury brand, Yangwang, set the record for the fastest production EV at the Nürburgring with the U9 Xtreme last year.

Outside of motorsports, BYD has also been making moves by expanding into different regions and establishing plants in markets such as Europe. It is also a prime candidate to enter Canada after the country opened its doors to at least 49,000 EVs under a lower tariff in the first year of the deal. That was met with backlash from the U.S., which said China-made cars would not be allowed to cross the border.

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