BYD Meets with F1 and FIA Leaders in Monaco Over Potential Grid Entry

BYD Deepens Its Formula 1 Explorations with FIA and F1 Leaders in Monaco

Chinese automaker BYD stepped up its Formula 1 evaluation after vice-president Stella Li met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. The talks signal that the world's third-largest car manufacturer is serious about finding a place on the grid, even though it currently lacks any motorsport pedigree. While the interest is widely viewed as credible, many within the paddock believe a full entry remains years away.

Why it matters:

A successful BYD entry would instantly reshape the F1 landscape with massive manufacturing scale and new-energy vehicle expertise. However, the company faces a steep learning curve to build the infrastructure and talent base required for grand prix racing. The discussions also highlight a potential clash between BYD's electric-first road car identity and the FIA's push for a future formula that may scale back electrification in favor of a simplified internal-combustion platform.

The details:

• Li held back-to-back meetings with Domenicali on Friday and Ben Sulayem on Saturday to explore how BYD could enter the sport, whether through a new team, a strategic stake in an existing outfit, or as a technology partner.
• The company has not committed to building a team from scratch. Li said BYD wants to see how its technology can help the FIA and other competitors while strengthening its own global brand.
• Although BYD abandoned combustion engines years ago, Li hinted that its material science capabilities could theoretically stretch to combustion development if future regulations demand it.
• Li also held talks with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner about a potential collaboration, though BYD is widely considered years away from readiness and may not align with Horner's desire for an immediate return to an ownership role.
• Despite its electric vehicle focus, BYD is not currently exploring an entry into Formula E, viewing F1 as the stronger global platform for its ambitions.

What's next:

No formal Expression of Interest process is imminent under the current Concorde Agreement, and insiders remain split on whether BYD's pursuit is serious groundwork or advanced brand positioning. With the path to the grid requiring years of preparation, infrastructure, and motorsport knowledge, these Monaco talks are best read as an early courtship rather than a concrete commitment to racing.