BYD eyes Formula 1 entry: These options are currently on the table

It was a revolving door of celebrities in the Monaco paddock, with a lot of attention going to Kim Kardashian. But it wasn’t just Lewis Hamilton’s friend who drew eyes; so did Stella Li, the vice president of the Chinese carmaker BYD. She was in Monte Carlo to speak with representatives from the FIA and Formula 1 about a possible entry into the sport.

In recent weeks, there has been heavy speculation about the form in which BYD, primarily successful with electric cars, could enter Formula 1. After talks with former Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner leaked, the widely held belief was that the Brit was being considered to lead the F1 project - possibly as a co-owner.

This option is indeed realistic, at least if BYD decides to start its own Formula 1 team or take over an existing outfit. If the Chinese opt for the first route, following the discussions in Monaco, it’s clear this would be a very long-term process, this website understands from those involved. Taking over a team may be difficult, as no F1 outfit is currently for sale.

GPblog has learned that at this moment, all options are on the table for BYD. The Chinese manufacturer is, for example, seriously considering becoming a technical partner of a team, like Ford is at Red Bull or Toyota at Haas. Even the option of sponsorship is on the table. In that case, BYD’s entry would amount to no more than - put bluntly - a sticker on a car.

In the near future, BYD will decide internally which step to take first. A sponsorship is relatively easy to arrange, ensuring the company is at least visible in the sport during Formula 1’s current boom period.

They could then calmly work toward a larger role in Formula 1, for example with their own team. None of the parties involved expect BYD to have its own team on the Formula 1 grid before 2030, but stranger things have happened in this sport.