BYD wants to race in F1! Could the Chinese giant topple Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes and dominate the pinnacle of world motorsport?
Just days after the Australian Grand Prix news has broken the world’s largest electric vehicle producer BYD has reportedly entered talks with the owners of Formula 1 over a potential future bid to become an engine supplier and team owner.
According to Bloomberg, the motivation behind the move would be to increase global brand awareness as BYD pursues rapid growth in international markets.
There is no word yet on which season BYD might target, but if approved the company could begin supplying power units or launch a new team as early as 2029, joining incoming manufacturers including Audi (pictured top: pic courtesy Audi F1 Facebook) and the General Motors-backed Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
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One factor attracting the EV and hybrid specialist to the sport is the major overhaul of Formula 1 powertrain regulations that’s arrived in 2026, which significantly increases the role of electrification.
Under the new rules governing the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic), the hybrid system is allowed to produce up to 350kW of power, up from the current 120kW.
As a result, roughly half of a car’s total output will come from the electric motor, reducing reliance on the 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 combustion engine.
There has been no official confirmation of BYD’s plans, but if it does enter Formula 1 the company could potentially compete under its Yangwang performance brand, which launched in 2023.
One of the brand’s flagship models, the Yangwang U9, uses a quad-motor electric powertrain producing around 960kW.
A special U9 Xtreme model recently ran at nearly 500km/h in testing, breaking the world record.
The model is designed as a technology showcase for BYD’s high-performance electric drivetrain systems.
Options reportedly open to BYD include starting from scratch as a new entrant — potentially filling a future 12th team slot — or acquiring an existing operation, with reports linking the Chinese giant to a possible purchase of the Renault-owned Alpine F1 Team.
Beyond Formula 1, Bloomberg reports that BYD is also exploring a factory-backed effort aimed at an outright win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, potentially through the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Chery-owned premium brand Exeed – which is expected to come to Australia – has also just confrimed its plans to enter WEC.
