BYD is no stranger to expanding its reach beyond its consumer-grade automotive exploits, as we’ve seen with the likes of the Denza Z and YANGWANG U9 Xtreme. In fact, it looks like the Chinese EV manufacturer has been toying with the idea of entering Formula One with its own team, although it’s not the only brand in the EV space with such intentions.

More specifically, the FIA has confirmed that it’s held formal discussions with both BYD and Geely regarding a potential entry as Formula 1’s 12th team. According to reports from motorsport news site Grande Prêmio, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that both manufacturers have approached the governing body about joining the grid, although he stressed that any expansion will require a serious and fully compliant proposal. He comments:

The regulations will not be changed just because of the Chinese manufacturers… We cannot do that. The regulations need to remain stable.

While F1 recently expanded to 11 teams with Cadillac (alongside the Audi takeover of Sauber), Ben Sulayem says that the governing body is not actively seeking another entry. The FIA president did state that China is a likely market for further expansion, pointing to the country’s immense market value and technological presence, especially as F1 already hosts a Grand Prix in the region.

However, Ben Sulayem adds that regulations will not be altered to accommodate new entrants, stating that technical rules must remain stable. During the said discussions, the FIA president suggested that BYD could acquire an existing operation to enter the sport more quickly, although the manufacturer is adamant about launching its very own team.

READ: BYD’s Electric Hypercar Sets New Guinness World Record at 312 MPH

While there is a possibility of future expansion for a new F1 team, no new formal expression-of-interest process has been announced, at least at this point in time.

Source: Grande Prêmio

The post Could We See BYD Join Formula One Soon? FIA Reveals Talks with Electric Car Manufacturers appeared first on Phandroid.