Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is reportedly evaluating the purchase of an existing team as a potential pathway into Formula 1, with Alpine F1 Team and Aston Martin F1 Team emerging as the two leading candidates.
Interest from BYD in joining Formula 1 has been known for some time, particularly as the championship’s future power unit regulations place greater emphasis on electrification. What appears new in the latest developments is the company’s consideration of acquiring an established team rather than pursuing a traditional new-entry bid.
Acquisition Seen as Fastest Path to the Grid
For BYD, one of the world’s largest electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers, Formula 1 represents a powerful global platform to showcase its technological capabilities. Buying an existing team would allow the company to bypass the lengthy approval process required for new entrants and gain immediate access to the sport’s infrastructure, commercial ecosystem and global audience.
The timing could also be advantageous as the series continues to attract new automotive players and adapts its regulations to incorporate more hybrid and electric technology.
Alpine’s Uncertain Strategic Direction
One possible target is Alpine, the Formula 1 team owned by Renault Group. The outfit has entered a period of uncertainty amid shifting priorities at the corporate level.
Renault CEO François Provost is not believed to view motorsport as a central pillar of the company’s long-term strategy. Alpine has already stepped away from developing its own power units, a move that has fueled speculation about the team’s future structure.
Recent reports have also linked Toto Wolff and Christian Horner with interest in acquiring minority stakes in the team, highlighting the level of external attention surrounding the French outfit.
Aston Martin Also Under Observation
BYD is also believed to be studying Aston Martin as a possible route into the championship. Aston Martin F1 Team began the 2026 season with technical difficulties linked to its new Honda power unit, with both cars retiring from the opening race in Melbourne.
Despite the early-season setbacks, the team has secured its continued presence on the grid through a naming-rights agreement that ensures the Aston Martin brand remains in Formula 1. That stability could make the team a viable platform for future investment or ownership changes.
FIA Signals Support for Chinese Presence
There are also encouraging signals from the sport’s governing body. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently told Le Figaro that the arrival of a Chinese team on the Formula 1 grid would be a “natural step†in the championship’s global expansion.
With manufacturers such as Audi and Cadillac preparing to enter the sport in the coming years, the potential addition of BYD would further underline Formula 1’s growing appeal among global automotive brands.
While no formal negotiations have been confirmed, Alpine and Aston Martin are currently viewed as the most realistic acquisition routes should BYD decide to accelerate its long-discussed entry into Formula 1.