BYD is considering entering Formula 1 and WEC

China, the most dynamic country in the automotive market, is seeking to expand its visibility in the face of global competition. To this end, the Middle Kingdom would logically seek to establish itself in the sporting arena. According to BloombergBYD Co. is therefore studying the possibility of getting involved in motorsport, with a particular interest in the Formula 1 and EnduranceAccording to sources within the American financial group, this possible arrival could be achieved through the creation of its own team or the purchase of an existing structure.

Nevertheless, the brand, which declined to comment on these rumors to Bloomberg, would prefer to focus on acquiring a racing team, as the cost of entering Formula 1 is a deterrent for the Chinese manufacturer. BYD recently overtook Tesla as the world's leading seller of electric vehicles. Highly aggressive in the global market, the company is reportedly interested in entering both championships to increase its brand awareness.

The showcase offered by the top category of motorsport, as well as the Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans This is not negligible in this context. Especially with regulations heavily geared towards electric vehicles.

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This Bloomberg report follows several announcements by Chinese manufacturers regarding their strong interest in entering the market. WEC In the future. In December 2025, the Chery Group and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) announced a large-scale collaboration to bring the EXEED brand to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future. In November, Geely, through its Lynk & Co brand, competing in the TCR World Tour, revealed its intention to enter endurance racing.

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No official announcement has yet been made by BYD, but this manufacturer is therefore aiming even higher than the WEC with a potential participation in Formula 1. If it were to acquire a team to compete in both series, Alpine would appear to be the ideal candidate. The French team competes in both F1 and WEC, but the group with the arrow-shaped A has already announced that it will leave the World Endurance Championship grid at the end of the 2026 season. In Formula 1, rumors about the sale of certain assets have been circulating for several months. The names of Christian Horner (ex-Red Bull) and Toto wolff (Mercedes Benz) are thus circulating with the aim of buying back Otro Capital's stake, as recently revealed by The Telegraph.

ALSO READ > Mercedes is reportedly eyeing Otro Capital's stake in Alpine