Bloomberg: BYD Considers Entering International Motorsports Like F1
On March 10, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that BYD is considering entering the racing sector to enhance its global brand influence.
According to the sources, BYD is currently evaluating multiple options, including participating by acquiring or building its own team. In terms of event selection, BYD is considering top international competitions such as Formula 1 (F1), the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Bloomberg article noted: Regardless of the approach BYD ultimately takes, it would mark a rare direct involvement by a Chinese automaker in a series long dominated by European and American teams.
One of the sources indicated that for BYD, the high cost of participation is a challenge that cannot be ignored in F1. Research and development and racing typically require years of negotiation, and the cost per season can reach up to $500 million.
In recent years, BYD's internationalization process has accelerated significantly. According to BYD's official data, in 2025, global pure electric vehicle sales reached 2.261 million units, a year-on-year increase of 28%, surpassing Tesla for the first time in sales. In overseas markets, annual sales exceeded the 1 million mark for the first time. In February 2026, overseas sales surpassed domestic sales for the first time, with over 100,000 units sold in a single month, up 41.4% year-on-year.
At the same time, global motorsports are accelerating their transition toward hybrid powertrains. Starting in 2026, F1 will introduce new power unit regulations, further increasing the proportion of electric components in hybrid systems.
In August 2025, BYD opened China's first all-terrain racing track for new energy vehicles in Zhengzhou (see image below).
Bloomberg noted that Chinese automakers have shown interest in motorsports in recent years. For example, Geely successfully participated in international touring car events through Cyan Racing (formerly the Volvo factory team); NIO-supported drivers won the 2015 FIA Formula E Drivers' Championship.
｜Source: Bloomberg, BYD official website
｜Image source: BYD official website