Crown Jewel of Racing
Formula 1’s modern bounce back has been spectacular. What was regarded as a European-centric race series has, over the years, finally broken over the world stage. This newfound popularity is a result of the expansion into more races across more countries and the inside look provided by the Drive to Survive Netflix series.
Along with this popularity comes viability; new and old brands are starting to make plays to enter the very coveted ranks of F1. We’ve seen the entry of Cadillac and Audi as constructors, with Ford returning as an engine supplier for Red Bull. Even China has expressed interest, through one of its biggest car manufacturers.
BYD x Christian Horner
Back in April, during the Chinese Grand Prix, it was reported that BYD was in talks with the F1 powers to enter the sport. This was then confirmed by BYD Vice President Stella Li, who said that participating in F1 would showcase the brand’s advanced technologies to the world.
Joining F1 isn’t easy, and even if you do get in, building the team is even harder. Seasoned veterans and industry experts would be essential for BYD to make a serious bid. It seems they know that, and over the past week, many rumors have surfaced that they are in talks to entice one of the most infamous F1 bosses ever to walk the grid, Christian Horner.
According to a Financial Times report, BYD has already met with Horner about possibly joining the team; that meeting will be followed by further meetings among BYD, the FIA, and F1.
Constructor or Supplier?
While no specific details or statements have come from BYD or Horner, we can speculate that BYD will likely offer Horner the roles of CEO and Team Principal, and possibly an ownership stake in the team as well. What makes Horner useful (personal issues aside) to BYD is his experience and tenacity; he oversaw the upstart Red Bull F1 program into the multiple championship-winning juggernaut it is today. Horner, though, has also been aggressively working to return to the sport after his departure from Red Bull, having emerged as the leading candidate to take control of the Alpine F1 team.
There are multiple ways for BYD to enter F1, since the sport has prioritized advanced hybrid systems. It makes sense for BYD to be interested in joining, given their knowledge and prowess when it comes to hybrid and electrified technology.
One way for them to quickly enter the sport is through a title sponsorship agreement with a team, as HAAS and Toyota Gazoo Racing are doing, a pragmatic approach. They could also jump in as an engine manufacturer first, and slowly build up an “appetite” for all things F1 before going all in. It’s also entirely possible for them to go 100% and build a whole team for themselves, which would be the spectacle we all want as fans, but it would be a big gamble for a brand with little to no racing experience.
Formula 1
