Chinese manufacturer BYD has officially confirmed that it has entered into discussions with the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, opening the door to a possible future involvement in the discipline.
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BYD could seriously consider an entry into Formula 1 by acquiring an existing team, with Williams Racing as a potential target.
The Chinese manufacturer, which recently confirmed discussions with Stefano Domenicali, is exploring several scenarios to join the grid.
Williams in sight
A direct entry as a twelfth team remains complicated, notably due to the probable resistance of current teams to the dilution of commercial revenues, an obstacle already encountered by Cadillac F1 during its admission process.
In this context, an acquisition appears to be a more realistic path. Williams Racing particularly attracts attention for financial reasons: acquired in 2020 by Dorilton Capital for approximately 170 million dollars (including the takeover of 130 million in debts contracted by the Williams family), the team is now valued at around 2 billion. A sufficiently high offer from BYD could therefore represent an extremely lucrative exit opportunity for its owners.
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However, such an operation would not be neutral sportingly or symbolically. It could lead to the disappearance of the Williams name, one of the most historic in F1, in favor of an entirely rebranded industrial project.
Audi engine?
From a technical point of view, BYD’s arrival could rely on an engine partnership with Audi, with whom the group already has ties. This would be part of a broader strategic logic for F1, which seeks to strengthen Audi’s presence as an engine manufacturer by guaranteeing it more customers in the medium term, potentially as early as the next regulatory cycle in 2031.
Finally, Williams is not the only option. Aston Martin F1, in sporting difficulty, could become available if Lawrence Stroll decided to sell his assets. Alpine F1 Team, where shares are already for sale, or even Haas F1 Team, involved in a technical project with Toyota, are also mentioned.
BYD therefore does not lack options, but the Williams path concentrates a clear economic logic: a highly valued asset, potentially available given Dorilton Capital’s vocation as an investment fund eager to realize a good capital gain, capable of offering a quick and credible entry into the F1 ecosystem.
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