BYD plots joining Formula 1 to compete with Ferrari, McLaren, report says
BYD is in talks to join Formula 1 to compete with legends such as Ferrari or McLaren, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The Chinese EV and battery giant aims to increase brand awareness worldwide as it expands its global sales.
BYD ceased production of ICE-only cars in March 2022, focusing only on BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles). If BYD were to join F1, it would be another newcomer in a short time, as GM-backed Cadillac, which debuted on March 8.
F1 cars have used a hybrid drivetrain for more than a decade. In 2026, the Formula 1 season introduced major changes to the sport’s power unit regulations, significantly increasing the role of electric power – F1 is now basically 50% EV.
The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) now delivers up to 350 kW to the rear wheels, almost three times more than the previous 120 kW, meaning roughly half of the car’s total power output now comes from the electric motor. The electric motor is mated with a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 ICE.
| # | Team | Drivers | Engine Supplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McLaren Mastercard F1 Team | Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri | Mercedes |
| 2 | Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team | George Russell & Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 3 | Oracle Red Bull Racing | Max Verstappen & Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Ford |
| 4 | Scuderia Ferrari HP | Charles Leclerc & Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 5 | Atlassian Williams F1 Team | Alexander Albon & Carlos Sainz | Mercedes |
| 6 | Visa Cash App Racing Bulls | Liam Lawson & Arvid Lindblad | Red Bull Ford |
| 7 | Audi Revolut F1 Team | Nico Hülkenberg & Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi |
| 8 | Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team | Fernando Alonso & Lance Stroll | Honda |
| 9 | TGR Haas F1 Team | Esteban Ocon & Oliver Bearman | Ferrari |
| 10 | BWT Alpine F1 Team | Pierre Gasly & Franco Colapinto | Mercedes |
| 11 | Cadillac Formula 1 Team | Sergio Pérez & Valtteri Bottas | Ferrari |
BYD would probably use some of the tech from its high-end Yangwang brand for the F1. Yangwang was launched in January 2023, positioned above the company’s mainstream and premium offerings. Its most powerful car is the U9, which uses BYD’s e⁴ platform, features four independent electric motors, delivers around 960 kW (1,287 hp), and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in about 2.3 seconds. The Extreme version features 3000 horsepower.
It is not clear if BYD will join as the 12th team or acquire one of the existing teams – reports talk about Renault-owned Alpine.
BYD also reportedly eyes another race – the World Endurance Championship. And they are not the only Chinese brand looking to get more involved in motorsport. Chery is reportedly considering participating in Le Mans, while EV maker Nio has been a member of Formula E for more than a decade. With so many rumours on the street, we will keep an eye on it.
