Regardless, any enquiries from BYD at this stage are simply that – enquiries. Only as the 2026 season progresses (and the bids for Otro Capital’s 24% shares are finalised) can a clearer image regarding the Enstone team’s future emerge.
Still, this space is very much worth watching – both for BYD’s potential interest and beyond – in the coming months.
Aston Martin were also mentioned by AMuS as one of the teams BYD are looking into. For obvious reasons, the collaboration between the British team and Honda is not going according to plan.
Should confidence in the Aston Martin project deteriorate, its future could go under the microscope. With that said, it must be stressed that Lawrence Stroll’s team is seen as a speculative option – rather than a plausible one.
Waiting for the next generation of F1 cars
For the time being, Alpine is the more logical option for BYD to pursue. Even then, there is every possibility that Renault want to retain control of an asset (the F1 team) that has consistently increased in value.
In this scenario, BYD would have to consider if they are willing to invest the billions necessary to start a team from scratch. Until the 2030 regulations are articulated, the Chinese brand’s commitment to the next era of F1 is tricky to gauge.
Given the scrutiny facing the new generation of cars. the FIA and FOM could take their time before deciding on 2030.
On paper, it it easy to assume that BYD want electric energy to be prominent to seriously entertain an F1 entry bid. However, given they already manufacture hybrids cars, Formula 1 in its existing capacity is within their territory.
Moreover, given BYD’s sheer size and R&D investment, it would be reductionist to assume they cannot adapt to a range of different regulatory proposals. Assembling engineers should be no issue for such a juggernaut of a company.
Perfect overlap certainly isn’t required to join the F1 grid – Red Bull are an energy company, after all. In any case, it is to soon to determine whether the Chinese giant is going to enter the sport.
However, this story will be something to watch closely over the coming months and years.
