Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 12 March 2026
BYD might become the next automotive giant to throw its hat into the ring and compete in Formula 1.
According to a report published by Bloomberg, the brand is exploring the possibility of joining F1, which would make it the first Chinese brand to do so.
While this might sound a bit far-fetched having a BYD line up alongside the likes of Ferrari and McLaren, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed his interest in the possibility.
Mr Sulayem was said to be a fan of the idea, and mentioned how it’d be the next logical step after Cadillac joined for 2026.
With eleven teams now on the grid, BYD would likely acquire an existing team to get into the sport rather than start something new.
It’s also a logical move considering where Formula 1 is going. These new power units have to produce at least half their power from the electric system, which is something in BYD’s wheelhouse.
The brand is also no stranger to performance, with its Yangwang sub-brand currently holding the Nürburgring Nordschleife production EV record with the U9 Extreme.
If BYD was to join the grid, it would be up against Ford, Audi, Cadillac, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine, and Mercedes as another OEM.
