Relevance: there's been a lot of discussion about BYD joining Formula E, this suggests they might go to Formula 1
I think it’s only natural that any manufacturer evaluating a new motorsport programme looks at all possible options before making a decision. Broadly speaking, they’ll set out their criteria, draw up a long list, stream down to a shortlist, assess the shortlist in detail against the criteria, and eventually make a recommendation to the board, who will then make/approve the decision. BYD are reported to be evaluating/been in discussions with FE, WEC and now F1. That feels about right. I don’t think any single one of those options obviously meets BYD’s likely criteria for a motorsport programme. They may choose one as the best possible compromise, or they may choose none of them and wait until future rules/conditions are more favourable. All we can do is wait and see what they decide to do.
Wouldn't surprise me given how hard Chinese automotive companies have pushed EV's. Not to mention how well they are selling in Europe and other parts of the world.
It makes sense. F1 is now 50/50 hybrid and allows development. This plus the whole marketability and value of F1 makes it genuinely more attractive than it was in the past. However, F1 is volatile, since fans and drivers are making a fuss, they might pivot and that could affect interest. F1 FIA has quite a bit to think about. They must tread carefully, because many of the current manufacturers that commited to this regulation, did so ok the basis of the PU development.
well FE's battery is spec F1 is not. it's only natural for BYD to seek out F1 first.
That rather assumes that BYD would enter F1 with an engine programme, and not something akin to Toyota’s tie up with Haas or Aston Martin’s use of customer engines.
Aston Martin doesn’t even make road car engines. BYD is also way bigger and would be interested in joining using their own batteries
They also have very limited racing pedigree. It would be a very, very bold and expensive move to try and spin up a competitive F1 engine programme.
If one thing BYD has been doing it’s bold. They also have an almost infinite amount of money and better battery tech than all but maybe Mercedes of the current f1 engine manufacturers which since we’re at 50/50 split, is a big advantage
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