Disruptive Technology丨BYD to Enter Formula 1?

According to Bloomberg, Chinese automaker BYD is exploring the possibility of entering competitive motorsports such as Formula 1 and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in a bid to enhance its global brand influence.

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that BYD could pursue these ambitions either by setting up its own team or by acquiring an existing F1 outfit, with the Alpine team being considered as one of the potential acquisition targets.

For BYD, the potential cost of entering F1 could be a major hurdle. Developing a car and competing often requires years of negotiations, with costs reaching up to $500 million per season.

Compared to forming a brand‑new team to join F1, acquiring or buying a stake in an existing F1 team is far more feasible. Audi officially entered F1 in the 2026 season after fully taking over the Sauber team.

Currently, Otro Capital, an investor in the Alpine team, is seeking a buyer for its shares. According to foreign media reports, Otro Capital’s stake in Alpine cannot be sold until it has been held for a full three years. That deadline will arrive this September, after which the shares held by Otro Capital are expected to find a new owner.

The new F1 season kicked off last week in Melbourne, Australia, and the China Grand Prix will take place this coming weekend.