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.”