F1 officials could hit BYD with the same ‘stumbling block’ Cadillac faced to join the grid

Follow us on Google Discover

Cadillac faced issues with their Formula 1 entry as officials wanted them to build their own engine. Chinese giants BYD could have the same issue.

The electric car manufacturer is interested in joining the F1 grid in the future. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to give the 12th slot to a Chinese company to explore the country’s market, and BYD are keen to fill that gap.

Amid the rumours about BYD, which car brand do you want to see join the F1 grid next?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

At this point, it is unclear whether they will enter the sport as a separate project or take over from an existing team. It has been suggested that BYD are exploring taking over Aston Martin.

Williams are also an option for BYD, as the Grove outfit want to ‘make money, which the Chinese company can give them in abundance. Joining the grid as a new team is on the cards, but they will face issues as Cadillac did.

Cadillac were awarded an F1 slot after they agreed to build their own engine – BYD could have the same issue

BYD will face a problem with the cost of entry to F1, but also, as per a report from Auto Motor und Sport, there is the issue of the engine.

Newcomers Cadillac had their entry to F1 approved only after their initial bid, Andretti, was rejected, and after they agreed to build their own engines. Audi also joined the sport as an engine manufacturer, but Cadillac will be supplied by Ferrari until GM bring their engines by 2028.

BYD is likely to face the same ‘stumbling block’. Then there is the issue of the proposed changes to the regulations in 2031, and the fact that the Chinese outfit ‘ceased production of cars with combustion engines back in 2022’.

This, combined with the fact that BYD are an unknown entity in motorsport, could cause resistance from F1 and existing teams. In fact, teams will ‘certainly try to resist again’, as they did with Cadillac, as it would mean that the prize money would have to be split 12 ways.

READ MORE: F1 fans tease Cadillac with the same message after confirming Colton Herta’s FP1 debut in Barcelona

BYD vice president confirms contact with Stefano Domenicali and interest in F1

Whether BYD decide to join F1, it will be a difficult process, especially if they enter the sport as a new project.

Buying an existing team may be the better option, with rumours suggesting that Red Bull could sell Racing Bulls to BYD. The issue there, however, is that Chinese rival Geely are also interested.

BYD vice president Stella Li confirmed their interest in F1 and conversations with Stefano Domenicali. They are keen to test their technology at the pinnacle of motorsport.