BYD Company is examining options to enter competitive motorsport including Formula 1 and endurance racing, in an effort to boost the Chinese brand’s appeal globally, according to people familiar with the matter.
The carmaker is looking at several options following its rapid growth outside its home market and competitive racing’s continuing shift towards hybrid engines, the people said, asking not to be named when discussing private information.
These range from the World Endurance Championship, which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, to F1, either through building its own team or potential acquisitions, the people added.
Any move by BYD would be a rare direct attempt by a Chinese manufacturer to take on a sport dominated…