BYD has publicly confirmed that it is in talks with Formula 1 regarding a potential entry into the championship. Speaking at the Beijing Motor Show, Stella Li, BYD’s vice-president, acknowledged that she had met Stefano Domenicali in Shanghai during the Chinese Grand Prix and that she is in regular contact with him. What initially appeared to be mere rumours has now turned out to be a genuine prospect.
From rumour to confirmation
For several weeks now, the name BYD has been doing the rounds in Formula 1 circles as a potential future entrant to the championship. Indeed, BYD’s vice-president attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2025 and was also spotted last weekend in the Shanghai paddock. Stella Li herself told SportMediaset that she is in contact with the highest echelons of the motor racing world: “We met Stefano Domenicali in Shanghai during the Chinese Grand Prix. We have a warm relationship and are in regular contact. I love Formula 1 because it is synonymous with passion and culture, and many dream of taking part in it.”
This is no longer mere speculation. It is an open and public discussion, led by one of the most influential executives at the world’s leading automotive group in terms of electric vehicle sales. Indeed, BYD has overtaken Tesla in this area, and if the group is interested in F1, it is not out of curiosity, but because it sees it as a genuine strategic opportunity.
Timing that is no coincidence
It is indeed the perfect timing for the Chinese manufacturer, as since the start of the year, F1 has not quite been the same as it was five years ago. A new generation of cars and powertrains is being showcased, with electric power now accounting for 50% of total output. This is a structural change that makes the sport much more consistent with the DNA of a group like BYD, a pioneer in hybrid technology.
In this context, entering Formula 1 is no longer merely a matter of image or prestige. It is a platform for demonstrating and testing technology. As Stella Li herself says, the appeal of F1 lies first and foremost in “a genuine opportunity to test our technology.”
The line-up has also changed significantly this year, with Cadillac joining the championship as the 11th team following a long-running battle led by the Andretti family. Audi is officially entering the championship by taking over the former Sauber team.
12th place: a realistic prospect
The current Concorde Agreement sets the grid at a maximum of 12 teams. With Cadillac as the 11th team, one theoretical place remains available, provided that a call for tenders is issued and a sufficiently robust proposal is submitted.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has already expressed a willingness in principle to expand the grid, notably by raising the idea of bringing in a major Chinese manufacturer or a new American entrant; the door is therefore not closed – quite the contrary. However, even if discussions between the two parties continue to progress in the right direction, gaining access to the paddock will not be a mere formality. Proof of this is Cadillac, which took years to convince the FIA.
Which front door?
Several scenarios are circulating in the specialist press, though none have been confirmed at this stage. The most likely option would be to set up a new team, with all that this entails in terms of investment, time and negotiations. This is the most ambitious route, and probably the most complex.
A second scenario, often considered more realistic in the short term, would be to enter via an existing structure: a partial takeover or a strategic partnership with a team already established in the championship. This type of approach would make it easier to enter the world of F1, but would still leave the team dependent on the parent company.
Press estimates suggest annual budgets of around €450 million for a competitive team, not including the costs of entering the championship and the years required to reach a credible level of performance. Let’s take the example of Cadillac once again, as it is the most recent: General Motors had to pay £358 million in anti-dilution fees to the other ten teams to get its team into the championship.
What to look out for
At this stage, BYD is still in talks with Formula 1. Stella Li’s confirmation marks the start of a new chapter, and the coming months will reveal whether these regular discussions with Domenicali lead to a formal bid.
One thing is certain: the nature of the issue has changed. It is no longer a matter of speculating about BYD’s interest in Formula 1. BYD has confirmed this itself. The real question is no longer whether the group wants to get involved, but through which door, with which model, and when.
