- BYD wants to get into racing and is exploring several motorsport series.
- The automaker is considering entering Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship.
- It can start its own team or acquire an existing team.
Chinese carmaker BYD wants to get into racing. The company, which makes the ultra-affordable Segal electric vehicle, is reportedly looking into several potential motorsport series, including the World Endurance Championship and Formula 1, according to a new report.
According to “people familiar with the matter” who spoke. BloombergBYD is open to starting its own team or buying an existing team. If successful, BYD will be the first Chinese automaker in the elite racing series, fielding a team to cheer on the local participants of the Chinese Grand Prix.
Photo by: BYD
Mohammed bin Salem, head of the FIA, which controls F1 and the WEC, has previously said he is open to accepting a Chinese team. But there are obstacles. A person who was spoken to. Bloomberg He said the cost of entering F1 could deter an automaker from doing so.
Starting a team from scratch can cost millions of dollars — and then there’s potential pushback from existing teams and Formula One management. When Cadillac tried to enter F1 at the end of 2023, the FIA gave approval, but the FOM refused a few months later. Perhaps BYD will be warmly welcomed.
Motor1’s Tech: Entering Formula 1 would expose BYD to a new worldwide audience, but entry and competition costs are high. An honest bid to compete in F1 requires hundreds of millions of dollars and the dedication to stick with it, which may be too much of an effort for BYD at this point.
