Cadillac’s inclusion as the 11th team in Formula 1 has generally been well-received. Despite 2026 being their first season in the category, Cadillac are proving themselves a competent operation with the potential to progress.
The US outfit are already competing with established teams like Aston Martin – albeit near the back of the field.
Still, given that Cadillac have no prior F1 experience, their initial competitiveness is encouraging.
Having spent years trying to get their entry bid across the line, Cadillac’s reasonable start (especially alongside Aston Martin’s disastrous one) have silenced suggestions that new teams cannot add meaningful value.
From a commercial perspective, both FOM and the FIA saw the addition of another American team as positive for F1. Similarly, the incorporation of a Chinese manufacturer is seen as a logical expansion of the grid – and this is where BYD enter the equation.
The case for BYD in Formula 1
As investment and demand into Electric Vehicles increases on an international scale, BYD have become a leading car manufacturer. The Chinese company is at the very forefront of EV development and production.
BYD are currently the biggest sellers of Electric Vehicles, with revenue estimated to reach around $100 billion for the 2025 financial year.
As a Chinese brand with an established footprint in Asia and expanding presence worldwide, they would instantly become one of the sport’s biggest players – even amongst the growing cast of heavy-hitters in modern Formula 1.
Despite the resistance Cadillac faced in their journey to F1, such opposition is unlikely to frustrate BYD. FIA President Ben Sulayem has already spoken in very positive terms about the addition of a Chinese team.
By extension, from a commercial perspective, Formula One Management is unlikely to have any issue. In fact, Formula 1 has made growth in the Chinese market one of their priorities moving forward.
For obvious reasons, the reports indicating BYD’s interest in entering the paddock are no guarantee of future entry. The process of building an F1-capable division is difficult, and the next set of regulations for 2030 are still undefined.
Regardless, there is understood to be exploratory talks and discussions taking place behind closed doors.
Evaluating the options
There are two paths BYD, or any other manufacturer, can pursue to enter F1. One option is to start a team from scratch, investing in new facilities and putting together a new group of personnel.
This is the route Cadillac opted for, consistent with their ambitions to compete with their own power units once their existing collaboration with Ferrari comes to an end.
The alternative is to takeover an existing team, using their infrastructure and work force as a foundation to build upon.
Audi took this route after their purchase of Sauber, with the Swiss team’s factory in Hinwil still working on Audi’s chassis. Meanwhile, power unit development takes place at the German manufacturer’s base is Neuburg.
According to German outlet AMuS, BYD are exploring whether the purchase of an existing team is viable. At present, Alpine and Aston Martin are seen as the two outfits worth monitoring.
It is no secret that Alpine’s future in the sport is under question. Doubts first emerged when Renault abandoned their own engines to become a Mercedes customer team.
This decision, regardless of performance-related justification, was seen as a first step to Renault limiting their investment to F1.
Moreover, the acquisition of a 24% stake in the team by Otro Capital in 2023 was another signal of Renault’s dubious commitment.
The competition between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner to purchase this same 24% stake raises further doubts about Alpine’s future. (cont. on next page)