BYD are reportedly considering buying an existing Formula 1 team instead of launching a new outfit from scratch, and Aston Martin have been mentioned as a possible target.
Chinese automaker BYD could be preparing to submit a bid to join Formula 1. The league recently grew to 11 teams with Cadillac’s addition, but Liberty Media have often spoken about wanting an even dozen.
Audi chose to buy Sauber ahead of the 2026 season and will compete using their own power units. BYD haven’t decided which route they’ll take, but both options are under consideration.
Aston Martin being considered as a potential BYD acquisition
A recent report suggested that Lawrence Stroll’s interest in Formula 1 may be waning, with Aston Martin struggling at the back of the grid. That’s led to speculation within the paddock that a sale could be on the cards.
Stroll has already spent six times more than he originally planned to try and turn Aston into a front-runner. Instead, they’ve started F1’s new era sitting 10th in the standings, only ahead of Cadillac, and have pointed fingers at engine supplier Honda.
As reported by Auto Motor und Sport, Stroll “could soon reach his breaking point,” which would make Aston Martin an appealing acquisition for BYD.
From Honda’s perspective, there is currently no desire to pull out of F1 despite their earlier plans to leave before the 2026 regulations come into effect.
In terms of value, Aston Martin were estimated at around $3 billion (£2.2 billion) last year, ranking them just behind F1’s established ‘big four’ teams.
Alpine sale rumours won’t go away
Rumours that Alpine could be put up for sale have been a constant undercurrent in the paddock, even as majority owners Renault continue to insist otherwise.
The switch to Mercedes power units has fuelled speculation that Alpine might appeal to BYD as a logical entry point. It gives the team a stronger technical foundation without the need for immediate overhauls.
Renault CEO Francois Provost, who isn’t known for his passion for motorsport, has already started pulling the manufacturer out of other racing commitments like the World Endurance Championship. Still, they’re not actively looking to offload their 76% share in the F1 team.
Meanwhile, Otro Capital, which holds the remaining 24%, has reportedly opened discussions with potential buyers. There’s talk that Toto Wolff and Mercedes might get involved, and Christian Horner’s name has also come up in connection with a possible stake.
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