Will Xiaomi enter Formula 1? Everything we know so far

The automotive industry is still reeling from Xiaomi’s debut of the SU7 into the market, an electric vehicle that did not merely compete but challenged the major market players. Today, the Will Xiaomi Join Formula 1? has become a burning concern for all involved.

Though nothing is currently planned for a 2026 entrance, the crumbs point to a possible interest by “the Apple of China” in entering the competition in the next decade from Xiaomi’s plans.

Performance DNA: It’s More Than Just a Gadget

It’s clear that recent developments by Xiaomi involve more than just creating “phones on wheels.” The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype has recently broken records at the Nürburgring, a testament to the company’s obsession with premium engineering and aero.

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra

In addition to this, Xiaomi has also been looking for talent by hiring engineers with experience in the F1 department at Ferrari as well as engineers at BMW. It is quite evident that they are planning for the future with their technical development aimed at an F1 level.

The 2026 Grid and the Cadillac Factor

Season 2026 means a huge paradigm shift for F1 as engine rules are about to be revamped. Already, titans such as Audi have entered while Ford is back. Just recently, the 11th team, Cadillac (Andretti), has been confirmed.

2026 is just too soon for companies like Xiaomi. First, there is the financial “anti-dilution” fee in order to enter the grid, which is a huge sum of money alone in addition to the necessary infrastructure for them to have a competitive Power Unit. Xiaomi is in the “growth phase” for a car manufacturer; they have to sell SU7s and YU7s in the millions before investing in billions in a racing team.

“China” Expansion and vision of FIA

Indeed, the FIA has publicly stated that it would like to see a “Chinese works team” on the starting grid. The obvious commercial rationale is that with the substantial following that Zhou Guanyu brings to Formula 1 from China, why should a Chinese brand wait for an invitational ticket to join Formula 1 when the motor sport has so much to offer to that country? Of course, only if a Chinese brand makes the big jump will there be any real chance of this coming to pass, and even then, there are more likely candidates for the initial entry slot than the traditional state-owned companies that are often.

The Verdict: When Could It Happen?

But there’ll be no car sporting the name of the Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi in the sport by 2026 or maybe even 2027. However, the way to Formula 1 often begins with **partnerships

Step 1: Technical partnerships or major sponsorship deals (as in the past with Mercedes-AMG).
Step 2: Adding battery or software technology to an existing team.
Step 3: A complete “Works Team” entry by 2030, after their car sales have stabilized worldwide.

Lei Jun, the CEO of Xiaomi, is a far-sighted leader. His ambition for his company is for it to be one of the top five car manufacturers in the world. In the auto industry, all roads to greatness will ultimately lead to Formula 1. It’s not a question of if, but when.