Former Red Bull Racing boss reportedly set to lead BYD’s F1 team

JAKARTA — Former Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner is reportedly in serious talks to lead Chinese automotive giant BYD’s entry into Formula 1. The British man was previously ousted from his position at Red Bull in mid-2025 following a turbulent period involving allegations of inappropriate behaviour and a decline in the team’s on-track performance. Horner had previously been linked to a potential stake purchase in Alpine, but the rumours faded after Mercedes reportedly intervened in the dispute over a 24% stake in the French team. According to The-Race.com on Monday, 25 May 2026, Horner has shifted his focus and is now in talks with BYD, with the signals intensifying after he was seen attending the Cannes Film Festival recently. As a global electric vehicle giant, BYD is reportedly considering two strategic options to enter F1: either registering as a new 12th team, or acquiring an existing team. On the other hand, Horner’s ambition to return to F1 is said to be serious, with reports he is seeking either a financial stake in the team or full control over its regulations, as he enjoyed during his Red Bull heyday. However, the timeline for BYD’s official entry into F1 remains unclear. The Chinese manufacturer must go through the FIA’s official registration process if the competition opens new slots. Furthermore, it is unclear how F1’s new regulations for 2031, which reportedly aim to reintroduce V8 engines and reduce electrification, will impact BYD’s global strategy blueprint. Despite the lengthy process, the potential entry of a Chinese manufacturer into F1 has received positive signals from the sport’s top authorities. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem shared his views last year. ‘If a Chinese manufacturer is interested, and I speak on behalf of FOM, they will approve it, as it’s about preserving the business,’ said Ben Sulayem. ‘If a Chinese manufacturer, say, gets FOM’s approval — and I’m 100% sure they will — wouldn’t it generate more revenue with China’s entry? I believe so,’ he added. This interest is reinforced by statements from within the company. BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li recently expressed her enthusiasm to SportMediaset. ‘I love Formula 1 because it’s about passion, culture, and people dreaming of being in F1 — it’s something we’re discussing. It’s a real opportunity to test our technology,’ said Li. BYD’s move is unsurprising. China’s electric vehicle market has seen massive growth in recent years, putting Western manufacturers under financial pressure due to the surge in demand for affordable Chinese EVs and hybrids. The sport’s global rising popularity has made it a highly attractive prospect for automotive manufacturers. Major names like Honda, Audi, and Ford have already confirmed their participation in this season’s competition.