Jun.6 (GMM) Chinese automotive giant BYD has stepped up its Formula 1 ambitions with senior executives holding talks in Monaco, while Christian Horner continues to be linked with both the manufacturer and Alpine’s ownership situation.
According to Japan’s as.web.jp, BYD executive vice president Stella Li is in Monaco for meetings with Formula 1, the FIA and team representatives as the company explores a future entry into the sport.
“There is no longer any doubt that BYD wants to enter Formula 1 as soon as possible,” the report said.
Recent speculation has linked BYD’s F1 plans with Horner, who was dismissed by Red Bull last year. Rumours intensified after Li and Horner were seen together at the Cannes Film Festival.
The question now is how BYD might enter Formula 1.
The most ambitious route would be launching a completely new team, although existing teams are expected to resist any further expansion after Cadillac’s recent arrival – notwithstanding a theoretical vacancy for a twelfth entry.
Buying an existing team appears equally difficult, with most outfits either manufacturer-backed or not for sale.
That leaves title sponsorship of an existing team as the most realistic short-term option, according to the Japanese report.
Meanwhile, Horner’s name continues to circulate around Alpine.
Speaking in Monaco, executive advisor Flavio Briatore confirmed negotiations involving Otro Capital’s 24 percent Alpine stake had recently collapsed.
“It was negotiated with Toto Wolff,” Briatore said.
“Looks like three days ago the agreement fell – all the negotiation.”
Asked why the Mercedes boss walked away, Briatore replied: “Very easy. The price was too high.”
“I think Toto was very fair. I don’t think the Otro people were fair.”
Horner has also been linked with a consortium interested in the shares, but Briatore suggested any deal would face a major obstacle.
“Whoever buys the share from Otro needs the blessing from Renault,” he said.
“I see it very difficult for somebody to spend 600 million to buy a minority in one company if it’s not agreed with the majority.”
Although Horner and Renault endured a strained relationship during Red Bull’s final years as a Renault customer, Briatore insisted there is no personal issue.
“I have a super relationship with Christian,” he said. “I know him 20 years. Zero problem.”
For now, however, Briatore made clear that any decision rests with Renault rather than Alpine management.
“You need to talk with Renault, not with me,” he said.
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