Reports of BYD considering the options to join the F1 grid came out a few weeks ago. As per the latest, the Chinese automotive giant has its eyes set on Silverstone-based Aston Martin and Enstone-based Alpine as potential entry points in F1.
A report from the second week of March revealed BYD’s intent to enter multiple motorsport series, which included the World Endurance Championship and F1. The regulations in the motorsport categories across the globe, shifting focus towards the hybrid system, made the Chinese manufacturer consider several racing options.
It was suggested that the Chinese giant was considering the options of building its own team and joining as the 12th team, as well as the option to acquire a current team. The latest report by AMuS suggests that BYD is eyeing Aston Martin and Alpine as potential teams for acquisition and making its way to F1.
Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll has invested hundreds of millions into the Silverstone-based squad but hasn’t yet reaped the rewards. Amid a dreadful start to the 2026 season and tensions flaring up at the team, the green team might be on the cards for the Chinese automotive giant as an option. However, the presence of Honda, a Japanese manufacturer, as the power unit supplier makes it unlikely.
On the other hand, Alpine seems like the most obvious answer, with Renault pulling the plug on the engine manufacturing last year and becoming a customer team this year, showing the French manufacturer’s resistance against investing in the F1 project.
On top of that, a 24% share is also available in the market currently owned by the Otro Capital consortium. However, Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff and Christian Horner have been linked to that stake, making the acquisition of Alpine unlikely.
While the acquisition of Alpine or Aston Martin is unlikely for BYD, they are the two candidates under consideration
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds reacts to reports of BYD’s interest in joining F1
BYD became the world’s largest EV seller and surpassed Tesla last year after expanding into European and Latin American markets. The Chinese manufacturer has been involved in the world of Formula E, with the most recent partnership being an activation with major branding in the paddock at Mexico City E-Prix.
Formula E CEO spoke about the Chinese manufacturer’s interest in joining the motorsport series, as he said,
“We talk to them regularly. I have no idea if there is any interest in Formula 1 from BYD, and don’t take this the wrong way, but I believe a fraction of what I often read in the press. The things that we know to be factually true are usually reported in a factual way. So I don’t know what conversation has happened.”
“I don’t know whether one person at BYD has said something in passing and then, all of a sudden, that’s generated a huge amount of press, which is possibly what’s happened,” he added
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem proposed last year to welcome a Chinese manufacturer to join F1 as the 12th team on the grid.
Edited by Pranay Bhagi