BYD could one day join the Formula One grid, the first Chinese brand to do so, and the prospect now appears a step closer to reality.
Automotive giant BYD has confirmed talks about a potential Formula One involvement amid rumours it will become the first Chinese marque to be involved in the international sport.
As reported by SportMediaset, BYD vice-president Stella Li said the brand is currently exploring its options regarding Formula One, where it could be competing on the world stage against established marques.
"We are discussing entering Formula One," Li told the Italian outlet.
"We met Stefano Domenicali [Formula 1 CEO] in Shanghai. We are always in close contact.
"I like Formula One because it’s about passion and culture, and people dream of being in Formula One."
Li also said that participating in the sport would provide an opportunity to "put our technology to the test".
Drive reported on rumours in March of a move into F1, which would make BYD the first Chinese car maker to compete in the championship alongside established luxury and performance brands, including Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG and McLaren.
It remains unclear whether the Chinese conglomerate would acquire an existing team – as Audi did with Sauber before joining the grid at the start of this year – or enter Formula One as the sport’s 12th team.
Emma has been on our television screens for over a decade. Most of her time in the industry has been spent at racetracks reporting at major motorsport events in Australia - from TCR and Superbikes to Porsche Sprint Challenge and Supercars. Emma has also hosted various MotoGP and F1 events interviewing the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Jack Miller. Having previously presented on an automotive show, she made her move to the Drive family in 2020. Fiercely proud of her Italian heritage, Emma is a coffee loving, stylish-black wearing resident of Melbourne.
