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Chinese manufacturer BYD are interested in the Alpine Formula 1 team and are believed to be eyeing Renault’s old factory in Viry-Chatillon.
The Enstone outfit’s future in F1 is facing some uncertainty, as Otro Capital look to sell their minority stake in the team, standing at 24%.
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Several parties are said to be interested in a deal, and the Chinese car company BYD have now entered the picture. They have expressed a desire to get onto the F1 grid, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wanting a Chinese manufacturer in the sport.
Whether they want to join F1 as a separate entity or replace an existing team is unclear, but they are openly exploring the latter. BYD could take over Aston Martin amid their huge financial losses, and they could strike a similar deal with Alpine.
BYD are interested in taking over Renault’s Viry-Chatillon factory amid Alpine interest
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and BYD executive vice-president Stella Li have held talks over the Chinese company joining the sport. They are now said to be eyeing Alpine, and in fact, their entire operation.
According to a report from UOL, BYD are ‘interested in acquiring’ Renault’s old F1 factory in Viry-Chatillon.
The French manufacturer closed down the factory in 2025 as Alpine moved towards a new engine agreement with Mercedes, becoming their customer team in 2026.
This deal would suggest that BYD would be keen on entering the sport as a manufacturer, building and supplying their own engines. But an entry date is unknown, as BYD could struggle with the cost to enter F1.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage
BYD face huge competition to land Alpine deal
If BYD are serious about a deal for Alpine and Renault’s factory, they will need to be fast, as they are not the only party interested in the Enstone outfit.
Christian Horner is looking to buy Otro’s shares and have an ownership role in Alpine. Arch-rival Toto Wolff and Mercedes are also pursuing a deal, but that has caused controversy over the engine deal they already have and the threat of Alpine becoming their ‘B team’.
Mercedes reportedly want to buy a 24% stake in Alpine, but should this be allowed?
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has spoken out against Mercedes’ plans, likening the situation to that of Red Bull’s relationship with Racing Bulls.
BYD could have an advantage in that regard, as they would be coming into the sport as a fresh and exciting entity. But only time will tell if Alpine will take the Chinese bid seriously.
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