Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has offered a firm stance on BYD’s intensifying interest in joining Formula 1, outlining that it is not the only Chinese manufacturer capable of entering the championship.
BYD’s interest in F1 has grown in recent months, having initially appeared most interested in joining the all-electric series following regular discussions.
However, BYD vice president Stella Li recently met F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali for exploratory talks and was also in attendance at the Monaco Grand Prix.
A meeting has also been held with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner ahead of the Briton’s visit to Formula E’s two races in the Principality last month.
It had looked likely that BYD would choose Formula E as its first step into motorsport, with activations having been held earlier this year during the Mexico City E-Prix race week.
While that could still happen, F1 now appears to be firmly on the Chinese manufacturer’s radar, based on the meetings that have taken place and Li’s recent comments.
Asked if BYD joining F1 would be frustrating for Formula E, Dodds told RacingNews365 during an interview last month: “I only ever get frustrated by things I’m in control of, and that [BYD joining Formula E] is not something I’m in control of.
“So, no. If BYD went into motorsport properly and committed to it, and if they wanted to go into F1, I think it would actually be quite logical for them to be in both, because then they would have an all-electric programme as well.
“But no, if they wanted to go into F1, I suspect that’s a long road anyway. So, no, it’s not frustrating.”
BYD not the only Chinese option
With China being a significant market for Formula E, hosting this weekend’s Sanya E-Prix and the Shanghai E-Prix in a fortnight, a manufacturer from the country is high on the championship’s wish list.
China is the undisputed global leader when it comes to electric vehicles, with an increasing number of domestic EV manufacturers emerging.
For a long time, BYD looked to be the most likely Chinese marque to join Formula E, but amid its growing interest in F1, Dodds has outlined that several other equally suitable options are available.
“I think there should be a Chinese manufacturer in the championship,” added Dodds. “I think that’s very logical.
“BYD aren’t the only Chinese manufacturer. You’ve got a huge amount of positivity around companies like Xiaomi at the moment, and obviously the Geely Group and manufacturers like that.
“So I don’t think they’re the only Chinese manufacturer in town, but I think it makes sense for there to be a Chinese manufacturer.
“But, as you and I have talked about, they don’t have a rich history in motorsport, and getting into motorsport and becoming competitive quickly is a complex thing to do.”