BYD could tempt Williams owners to sell their F1 team with a ‘huge’ offer

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Williams are a potential target for BYD as they look to join the Formula 1 grid, according to Dutch commentator Nelson Valkenburg.

Last week, BYD’s president confirmed that they are speaking to Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO, about entering the sport. The grid has just expanded to 11 teams with the arrival of Cadillac, but Liberty Media and the FIA are open to adding a 12th.

The existing teams may be resistant to the idea given the resulting dilution of the prize pot. As such, BYD may seek a takeover deal instead.

Williams owners want to ‘make money’ and BYD could give it to them

Speaking on the Nailing the Apex podcast, Valkenburg said Williams are a team to watch as BYD assess their options.

In 2020, US private investment firm Dorilton Capital paid the Williams family £152m to acquire the team. At the end of last year, Williams were valued at £1.6bn – a tenfold increase.

Valkenburg suspects that Dorilton will be inclined to sell if BYD offer them that kind of profit, even if this could mean the iconic Williams name disappears from the grid.

The Viaplay broadcaster said: “The big question is: are they aiming for a 12th team, or are they trying to buy [an existing team]? Considering how tough Cadillac found it to join the grid, I don’t think BYD could easily make it.

“But BYD, in my estimation, has three options, maybe even four, to get a majority of assets in one of the teams.

“I would have a really good look at what’s happening at Williams because Dorilton Capital bought that team on the cheap. They really didn’t pay a lot for that stake.

“If the Chinese come in and give a huge return on their investment… that is their job: make money from investments. That could work really well.”

Williams aimed to join the elite following F1’s 2026 regulation changes, but they have instead dropped into the lower midfield. This puts team principal James Vowles under pressure.

Could BYD buy engines from Audi if they enter F1?

BYD have previously been linked with Aston Martin in the event that Lawrence Stroll decides to cash out, with the team currently in crisis at the bottom of the standings.

A minority stake in Alpine is up for grabs, with Christian Horner and Mercedes among the interested parties, but Valkenburg thinks Flavio Briatore would be open to a full sale.

BYD’s ‘prior relationship’ with Audi may facilitate an engine supply deal, one that would likely take effect at the start of the next rules cycle in 2031.

Valkenburg said: “Any entry from BYD, in my mind – but that’s pure speculation – would be coupled with an Audi-factory supported engine deal because they have a prior relationship with Audi. It’s something F1 wants.

“F1 is really interested in getting Audi a second engine deal to make sure the Audi group stays in F1, that there’s a bigger footprint.

“If Lawrence Stroll is inclined to cash in on all of his investments, he can do that.

“We know the Alpine stock is available, the shares are available for a minority, but I’m pretty sure Flavio will have the conversation for a full takeover.

“You could even think about Haas, although Haas is on another path with Toyota, a lengthy path, but a path nonetheless.”