- Horner’s non-compete clause has expired, clearing his path back to F1.
- BYD’s $125 billion net worth backs its bid for a full constructor seat.
- Stella Li confirmed BYD has held talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Christian Horner is in talks with Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD over a joint bid to enter Formula 1 as a 12th constructor, according to reports.
The former Red Bull team principal was recently seen at a BYD event at the Cannes Film Festival, where he is understood to have met the company’s CEO, Wang Chuanfu.
He has also reportedly held separate meetings with BYD vice-president Stella Li as the manufacturer weighs up an F1 entry.
Horner left Red Bull in July 2025 following a difficult period at the team. His non-compete clause expired earlier this month, freeing him to return to the paddock.
BYD wants a constructor seat, not a sponsorship deal
BYD is reportedly not simply looking to slap its name on a car. The company, which carries a net worth of $125 billion, wants to enter F1 as a full constructor and compete alongside Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren.
The commercial case is clear. BYD sold 4.6 million vehicles in 2025 to lead global electric vehicle sales. However, it continues to fight a value-for-money perception in overseas markets.
An F1 entry would accelerate its push into premium territory.
The timing works in BYD’s favour, too. F1 increased its electrification component to 50% from 2026, which maps directly onto BYD’s engineering strengths.
Li had already signalled the company’s direction during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai. As reported by Motorsport Week, she confirmed contact with F1 chief Stefano Domenicali.
“We met Stefano Domenicali in Shanghai,” she said. “We’re always close and in contact. I like Formula 1 because it’s about passion, culture, and people dream of being in Formula 1.”
Asked directly whether an entry was on the table, she did not shy away. “Yes, it’s something we’re discussing,” she said.
F1’s leadership is not speaking with one voice
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has welcomed the prospect of a Chinese bid. He went as far as suggesting that F1’s commercial rights holder would share his view.
“If there is a Chinese [bid], and I will speak on behalf of them [FOM] now in front of you, they will agree to that, because it is about sustaining the business,” he said.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has been more reserved.
“We’ll only evaluate a bid of great significance because I think we’re already at a point with no more room; logistically, we’re at the limit,” he said.
The current Concorde Agreement does permit up to 12 teams, so a BYD bid sits within the rules. But the drawn-out battle Andretti and Cadillac fought to secure their place on the grid serves as a reminder of how difficult that process can be.
Horner is looking for ownership, not just a title
Horner has made clear that his next role in F1 will likely carry more weight than a team principal’s job. He wants a stake in whatever he joins.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who holds a significant ownership share in his own team, appears to be the kind of model Horner has in mind.
Before the BYD connection became public, Horner was reported to be competing against Mercedes for a 24% stake in Alpine. Reports also suggest that Flavio Briatore’s position at Alpine is under pressure as outside interest in the Enstone team grows.
Whether the BYD path has overtaken the Alpine one, or whether the two are moving in the same direction, is not yet clear.
What is clear is that Horner is looking to return to F1 with something to show for it beyond a job offer.
If the BYD partnership comes together, it would bring one of the world’s richest car companies into a sport still adjusting to its own global growth, with one of F1’s most experienced operators guiding the way in.
