Formula 1 may gain a new manufacturer in the future, but BYD has made it clear that its entry will depend on a condition considered indispensable. The Chinese company stated that it will only participate in the category if it can contribute technologically, ruling out any project aimed solely at brand exposure.
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In recent months, the automaker has been frequently associated with Formula 1, driven by the company’s growth in the automotive market and the category’s increasing focus on electrification-related technologies. Despite the speculation, the company states that it is still evaluating which paths could make sense for a possible involvement.
In April, BYD’s vice president, Stella Li, revealed that she met with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali during the GP held in Shanghai. According to her, conversations continue regularly and the category sparks interest for representing an environment marked by passion and tradition: “We met with Stefano Domenicali in Shanghai and are always in close contact. I like F1 because it represents passion and culture, and many companies dream of being part of it,” she said.
According to information, BYD is analyzing different possibilities to enter Formula 1. Among them are a technical partnership similar to those existing between Ford and Red Bull or Toyota and Haas, as well as the possibility of acting as a sponsor. A direct entry into the championship is also not ruled out, although it is considered a more complex challenge.
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Reinforcing the company’s position was BYD’s special consultant, Alfredo Altavilla. According to him, the manufacturer does not intend to invest in the category solely for commercial purposes and only considers a project that offers a relevant technical contribution.
“We are not involved in discussions about the 2030 regulations. I think Stella was very clear about that, and we only consider Formula 1 to the extent that our technology can serve the category’s objectives. We will never participate in Formula 1 just to put a sticker on the side of a car. There are better ways to invest that money,” he stated.
Altavilla added that future participation will depend directly on the evolution of the technical rules planned for the coming years: “If we find a way to be technological partners of Formula 1, we may be interested. Then it will be necessary to find a solution. But that is a prerequisite. We will see how these new regulations will be developed,” he concluded.
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