BYD is considering entering Formula 1

Last year BYD made history by becoming the first brand to surpass Tesla as the world's leading manufacturer of electric cars with more than 2,260,000 units sold, a figure that rises to 4,550,000 electrified cars if we add the sales of hybrid cars.

However, the Chinese brand knows that its global reputation cannot yet compete with that of the major historical manufacturers from the Old Continent or the United States and Japan, as Bloomberg points outThe brand is exploring ways to improve its global reputation and impact through the world of motorsport. According to Bloomberg, BYD is studying how to enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the aim of building a hypercar capable of competing with the racing cars of Aston Martin, Toyota, BMW, Peugeot or Ferrari in scenarios such as the 24 hours of Le Mans or the 6 hours of Spa-Francorchamps, among other mythical races.

But sources close to BYD suggest the brand is also considering entering Formula 1, the true pinnacle of the automotive world, where the official Audi team also debuted this season. The cost of maintaining a competitive team (without guarantees of victory or a podium finish) in Formula 1 is very high, around €600 million annually, but the Chinese brand has the enticing incentive of becoming the first manufacturer from the Asian giant to win Grand Prix races in the pinnacle of motorsport.

In addition to the advertising potential and the commercial and prestige benefits of competing in Formula 1, it's worth noting that this competition is introducing new regulations stipulating that practically half of the energy for the cars must come from the vehicle's electrical system, thus transforming Formula 1 cars into true hybrid vehicles—precisely the market segment where the most Yangwang U9 sports complexIt was considered the fastest car in the world at the time. However, it's completely impossible to reach the pinnacle of Formula 1 unless one of the current teams is relegated, and this possibility could arise if the Renault group finally decides to withdraw the Alpine team from Formula 1, after having already left the WEC (World Endurance Championship).

The Chinese assault on the world of competition

BYD's potential entry into the world of motorsport is not an isolated event. In fact, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly participating in more and more motorsport events, categories, and championships, such as the Dakar Rally (with the participation of Chery and Great Wall, among others) and various forays into the World Touring Car Championship. Another Chinese manufacturer, Lynk & Co, is evaluating the possibility of officially participating in the World Rally Championship (WRC) starting next season, filling the vacancy that will be left by the Romanian manufacturer Dacia, another Renault Group subsidiary that is withdrawing from motorsport to reduce costs and balance its books.