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F1 pundit Juan Pablo Montoya has explained why it is ‘crucial’ for BYD to enter the sport after the Chinese automotive giant’s executive vice president recently expressed interest in a potential entry.
At this moment in time, it is understood that BYD are considering two ways in which they can get themselves on the grid. The first is in the form of a brand-new constructor, with the second being through the purchase of an existing team.
Amid the rumours about BYD, which car brand do you want to see join the F1 grid next?
Cadillac’s addition to the F1 grid marked the first time that the sport has competed with 11 teams since 2016, but a 12th constructor could potentially be on the way. F1’s Concorde Agreement allows for 12 teams, meaning BYD’s only ‘obstacle’ would be the entry fee.
Aston Martin and Racing Bulls are two of the current constructors that have been linked with a possible takeover by the Chinese car manufacturers. Red Bull have been put under pressure by rival teams regarding their ownership of the Faenza-based team.
- READ MORE: F1 officials could hit BYD with the same ‘stumbling block’ Cadillac faced to join the grid
Juan Pablo Montoya pinpoints China as a ‘crucial’ market for F1 to get into
Speaking via the MontoyAS podcast, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya was asked for his thoughts on BYD potentially entering the world of single-seater motor racing, to which he explained why it could be ‘crucial’ for the sport.
“If a company like BYD wanted to enter Formula 1, I do believe it could happen,” he began. “I believe that, because it’s a global company, the Chinese market is crucial for Formula 1, given the sheer number of people living there, and BYD is now a highly recognised global brand.
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“BYD would be very interested because, on the one hand, they have both electric and petrol vehicles, but they’re very focused on the electric side, and it would be a good hook to get in.”
As a class-leader in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, this raises the question of whether BYD will be happy with F1’s change in engine formula for the 2031 season.
Confirmation of the changes is yet to land, but momentum behind a return to fully aspirated engines has been gaining traction in recent weeks. However, Montoya doesn’t believe this will be an issue.
“If you think about BYD, it’s not just electric; BYD also has petrol models,” he added. “A lot of what catches the eye is that, even if it’s petrol, they’re looking for renewable petrol, renewable fuels, whatever it may be.
“This is in line with what would help BYD to also develop engines that are much greener than that.”
Christian Horner has been tipped to lead BYD’s F1 project
Ahead of an appearance at the Monaco round of the Formula E world championship, Christian Horner was spotted in attendance at the Cannes Film Festival with Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president.
Sources confirmed to ESPN that an entry into F1 was discussed between Li and the former Red Bull team principal, following a meeting between the company’s vice president and Stefano Domenicali at the Chinese Grand Prix in March.
The 52-year-old is looking to return to the F1 paddock with some skin in the game, and is already known to be part of a consortium that is interested in acquiring Otro Capital’s 24% stake in the Alpine F1 outfit.
However, it remains to be seen whether any deal between Horner and BYD would include an ownership stake for the British executive.
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