F1 entry is last chance in a decade for Porsche, Audi
Volkswagen says that the planned Formula 1 entries for its Porsche and Audi marques in 2026 will be the “last chance” for a decade as it edges closer to announcing its entry.
The VW Group confirmed last month that it would only give the final green light to entering F1 with Porsche and Audi once the new engine regulations, set to come into force in 2026, are finalised by the FIA.
Porsche is widely expected to link up with Red Bull in 2026 when the next generation of power units comes into force. Red Bull previously worked with Honda as its works supplier, but has since formed its own powertrains division following the Japanese manufacturer’s exit from F1. Audi has been linked with a number of teams including Mclaren,
Williams and Aston Martin.
VW Group CEO Herbert Diess revealed earlier this week how advanced plans have become, noting the growth of F1 across the world and saying that the series is “where the impact is greatest” within motorsport.
“You can’t catch up on that when you join a new team: you need five or 10 years to be among the frontrunners,” said Diess in a video broadcast to residents of Wolfsburg, where the VW Group is based. “In other words, you can only get on board if you have a major rule change. That’s coming now, and it will also come in the direction of 2026, when the engines will be electrified to a much greater extent, including with synthetic fuels. That means you need a new engine development and you need three or four years to develop a new engine.
“That means you can decide now to do Formula 1 – or then probably not again for 10 years. And our two premium brands think that’s the right thing to do, and are prioritising it.”
Diess confirmed that Porsche’s F1 plans are more “concrete” than those of Audi, and made clear that the VW name would not be associated with the entries and that it “doesn’t fit”.
Diess did acknowledge that not all of the VW Group’s supervisory board was fully supportive of the plans to enter F1 at a time when the automotive industry is continuing to shift towards electrification. But he felt that the growth of F1 and the marketing strength it would lend the Porsche and Audi marques made it a sensible move. “There are good arguments that say Formula 1 will grow, even in the future,” he said. “Why should you restrict [the marques] if they then deliver more money?”