The discussions about F1 continue for BYD as the connections to Horner remain unbroken.

      Chinese automotive powerhouse BYD has intensified its ambitions towards Formula 1, with high-ranking executives conducting discussions in Monaco, while Christian Horner remains associated with both the manufacturer and the ownership situation of Alpine.

      As reported by Japan’s as.web.jp, BYD's executive vice president Stella Li is in Monaco for talks with Formula 1, the FIA, and team representatives as the company considers a potential entry into the sport. "There is no doubt that BYD aims to enter Formula 1 as soon as possible," the report indicated.

      Recent rumors have connected BYD’s F1 ambitions with Horner, who was let go by Red Bull the previous year. Speculation grew after Li and Horner were spotted together at the Cannes Film Festival.

      The current question is how BYD intends to join Formula 1. The most ambitious option would be to create an entirely new team, although current teams are likely to oppose any further expansion following Cadillac’s recent entry, despite a theoretical opening for a twelfth team.

      Acquiring an existing team also seems challenging, as most are either backed by manufacturers or not available for purchase. This leaves title sponsorship of an established team as the most feasible short-term option, according to the Japanese report.

      In the meantime, Horner’s name continues to be associated with Alpine. Speaking in Monaco, executive advisor Flavio Briatore confirmed that negotiations regarding Otro Capital’s 24 percent stake in Alpine had recently fallen through. "It was negotiated with Toto Wolff," Briatore stated. "It seems that three days ago, the agreement fell apart - all negotiations ended."

      When asked why the Mercedes chief decided to walk away, Briatore replied, "Very simple. The price was too high. I think Toto was very fair. I don’t think the Otro people were fair."

      Horner has also been connected with a consortium interested in acquiring the shares, but Briatore hinted that any prospective deal would encounter significant hurdles. "Anyone buying the shares from Otro needs Renault’s approval," he explained. "I find it very difficult for someone to invest 600 million to buy a minority stake without the majority's consent."

      Although Horner and Renault had a strained relationship during Red Bull’s last years with Renault, Briatore emphasized that there are no personal issues. "I have a great relationship with Christian," he remarked. "I’ve known him for 20 years. No problem at all."

      For the moment, however, Briatore clarified that any decision lies with Renault rather than Alpine's management. "You need to communicate with Renault, not with me," he said.