Are Horner and BYD exploring a shock F1 future?

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A swirl of paddock intrigue has followed reports that Christian Horner spent last weekend in Cannes in a series of discreet meetings with Stella Li, fuelling speculation that the former Red Bull chief could be central to an ambitious new Formula 1 entry strategy by Chinese automotive giant BYD.

The gatherings reportedly took place over two days during BYD’s “Cannes Night” event, where Horner was seen as a guest. The meetings come shortly a few weeks Stella Li publicly confirmed the company’s interest in exploring involvement in Formula 1.

BYD has indicated that it is evaluating the possibility of joining Formula 1, a move that could potentially see the sport expand to a 12-team grid.

Rather than focusing solely on acquiring a stake in an existing outfit, such as the minority shareholding currently under discussion in the Alpine F1 team, BYD is understood to be assessing the viability of creating a completely new entry.

Stella Li has previously acknowledged BYD’s discussions regarding Formula 1 participation and framed the sport as a platform for testing and showcasing advanced technology.

“We are always in close contact,” she recently said. “I like Formula 1 because it’s about passion and culture, and people dream of being in Formula 1.”

Horner’s availability and the wider F1 expansion conversation

Since leaving his role at Red Bull in 2025, Horner has remained a prominent figure in paddock speculation regarding future team projects. Following his period of gardening leave, he became eligible to return to Formula 1 in any capacity from May 8.

In the months since, he has reportedly held discussions with senior figures in the sport, including Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, as broader conversations have taken place about the possibility of expanding the grid.

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He was also present at last weekend’s Monaco E-Prix as a guest of Liberty Global, further fueling speculation about his interest in future motorsport projects beyond his previous Red Bull tenure.

BYD itself has grown rapidly in the global automotive sector, becoming one of the world’s largest manufacturers and a major player in electric vehicle and battery technology through its FinDreams division.

Read also:

A grid of opportunity: BYD considers leap into Formula 1!

While no formal Formula 1 entry has been announced, the combination of BYD’s expansion ambitions and Horner’s experience in building championship-winning teams has added weight to speculation that discussions in Cannes may represent more than casual networking – though neither party has confirmed any formal agreement or project.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.