Porsche and Audi will both compete in Formula 1, according to Herbert Diess, CEO of parent company Volkswagen Group.
Diess announced that the group’s Porsche and Audi brands will both participate in the sport during an online “Dialogue with Diess” question-and-answer session. He said, “You just run out of reasons [not to join F1].
The decision to enter F1 divided the Volkswagen Group board of directors, according to Diess, who also disclosed that the board ultimately decided to approve the move since it will generate more money than it will cost.
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Porsche and Audi will join F1 in 2026, according to Volkswagen CEO
How the two brands will work with already active Formula 1 teams is still unclear.
When new rules are adopted in 2026, according to the CEO of Volkswagen, the company’s Porsche and Audi brands will start racing in Formula 1.
Formula 1 is trying to lure new manufacturers, most notably VW, to join its existing pool as it introduces altered engine regulations starting in 2026. The 10 teams on the grid are currently supported by powertrains from Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Red Bull.
The 2026 regulations’ basic structure has been established for some time. The little particulars are still being arranged. Officials from VW have already stated that the firm was anticipating that time.
For the first time, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess stated in a question-and-answer session posted on YouTube on Monday that the company’s two premium brands will compete in Formula 1 starting in 2026. Diess cited the expansion of Formula 1 in important areas like the United States and China, the increased interest of younger viewers, and the possibility presented by the engine regulations of 2026.
How the two companies will collaborate with current Formula 1 teams is still unclear.
Red Bull Powertrains, which was established for 2022 in order for Red Bull’s two teams—Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri—to continue using Honda’s powertrains after the Japanese manufacturer’s official exit, has been strongly linked to a partnership with Porsche.
Porsche’s most prosperous period in Formula 1 occurred in the middle of the 1980s when it partnered with McLaren as an engine supplier and entered their cars under the TAG logo. It last appeared in 1991, during a disastrous alliance with the Footwork-branded Arrows team that lasted barely a few races.
Despite the manufacturer being associated with various teams recently, Audi’s plans are still unclear.
Indication That They Can Make More Money Than Invest: Porsche and Audi’s Entry Into F1
Porsche and Audi, which are owned by Volkswagen, have long been linked to Formula 1. Now that it’s official, it’s clear that the big investment will result in a profit.
Herbert Diess, the CEO of VW, announced on Monday that when technical restrictions pertaining to the that promote energy efficiency take effect, the two luxury brands will join the top international racing league. You require a regulation change to enter Formula 1; as Diess put it, “You can’t get into Formula 1 unless a technology window opens.”
Volkswagen’s actions will probably take one of two forms: first, Porsche will likely collaborate with Oracle Red Bull Racing to take Honda’s place as the engine supplier. The Japanese manufacturer will still provide support for the 2022 season, but the racing team had to launch Red Bull Powertrains, a section dedicated to power units.
Although the supercar manufacturer has found stronger financial footing thanks to a Saudi equity investment of PS50 million ($758 million U.S.), the play with Audi may involve buying McLaren. According to reports, Audi is prepared to buy McLaren for about EUR500 million ($556.3 million U.S.).
In the end, Diess stated, “You just run out of arguments” for not entering, despite reports that there were “divisions” during an event considering admission into F1 in Wolfsburg, where Volkswagen is based.
Audi and Porsche will start funding F1 teams in 2026.
The legendary two brands of German luxury automakers Audi and Porsche are expected to partner with racing teams in the motorsport championship when they enter Formula 1 in 2026.
Their parent corporation Volkswagen would be able to divide development costs among its Lamborghini, Porsche, and McLaren racing teams if they competed in Formula One. For the two automakers to compete in Formula 1, the supervisory board of Volkswagen must give its consent.
- As powerplant suppliers, Porsche and Audi would enter Formula 1.
- McLaren and Audi would collaborate to power Audi’s racing squad.
- Porsche is thinking about collaborating with Red Bull Racing.
Porsche will join Red Bull Racing in Formula One in 2026.
According to reports, starting in 2026, Formula 1 teams will receive engines from both Audi and Porsche. Although much is reportedly prepared behind the scenes for the acceptance of the two Volkswagen Group brands, no official statement has yet been made. The main reason for this is that the FIA must first accept the new engine regulations.
Porsche will join Red Bull Racing, according to Blick. The German tabloid speculates that the deal may have already been announced during the Austrian team’s home race in July.
Porsche stated that competing in Formula One remained a desirable option and that it would keep an eye on the possibilities.
On September 4, 2022, Max Verstappen of Red Bull celebrates his victory in the Dutch Grand Prix.
Germany — Although discussions between Porsche and Red Bull about Porsche joining Formula One with Red Bull as a partner have come to an end, the automaker is still interested in doing so.
Porsche stated in a statement on Friday that “the two companies have now jointly determined that these conversations will no longer be continued.”
According to Porsche, the two businesses were unable to come to terms on a relationship that encompassed both an engine alliance and an F1 team.
Porsche noted that continuing to monitor the potential as F1’s rule revisions are finalized and that competing in F1 remained an appealing option.
Porsche and Audi would enter Formula One, which has so far been dominated for years by German competitor Mercedes-Benz, according to former CEO of the Volkswagen Group Herbert Diess in May.
F1 intends to transition to synthetic fuel-powered vehicles starting in 2026 as part of a plan to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of the decade and better align the team with VW Group’s own environmental objectives.
According to a July Bloomberg report, discussions between Porsche and Red Bull were stalled over who would have the final say in naming drivers for a combined race team as well as how much technology Porsche would provide to Red Bull Racing in comparison to its Red Bull-owned sister racing team, AlphaTauri.
Last Friday, Horner ruled out a takeover of Porsche and stated that any agreement would have to be on the terms of the Formula One team.
Red Bull, who now leads the championship, has established their own powertrain firm, and more than 300 workers are working on an engine for 2026.
“The foundation (of conversations) was always an eye-level partnership with the team and a driving partnership. This was impossible to achieve, “In its statement, Porsche asserted.
In August, Audi said that it would produce an engine in Germany and join Formula One in 2026 with an established team, most likely Sauber.
Audi and Porsche: F1 entry?
In the early hours of Friday at Spa, Audi declared its intention to compete in Formula One in 2026 using a brand-new powertrain.
A deal to acquire Sauber, which is presently in competition under the Alfa Romeo banner, is almost ready to be finalized by the manufacturer.
Porsche, meanwhile, has not yet made a public announcement regarding its intention to collaborate with Red Bull Racing and the newly formed Red Bull Powertrains company.
Given that Mercedes just competed against the two German companies in Formula E, Wolff made it clear that Mercedes welcomes the rivalry.
“And having some of the best auto manufacturers in the world as competitors is excellent for the sport and great for us.
“The most difficult sporting competition for any automaker in the world is F1. With these newcomers, it already has been challenging and will only get more so.”
The new Audi Sport F1 concept car is unveiled by Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, Mohammed bin Sulayem, President of the FIA, Oliver Hoffmann, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport GmbH, and Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG.
Wolff claimed to comprehend the various approaches Porsche and Audi are using for their respective initiatives.
“Given that one is your completely integrated works team in Switzerland and the other is your affiliation with one of the top F1 teams in the world, I believe you are simply hedging your bets. I think the dual-track approach makes sense.”
Jost Capito, the team principal of the Williams team and the former head of the VW WRC program, concurred that the strength of the sport was proved by Audi’s entry into Formula 1.
“It was unthinkable a few years ago, but today it’s even two manufacturers, two brands from the VW Group, with Porsche expected to confirm and Audi confirmed. Therefore, I believe it to be excellent for F1.
“I believe Audi has had success everywhere they have gone. And if they follow the program and take it seriously, they will arrive sooner or later, in my opinion. I’m quite certain about this.”
When will Porsche make its F1 debut?
The Supervisory Board of VW Group authorized Porsche and Audi’s ambitions to enter Formula 1 in April. Porsche’s chairman announced in May that the company had begun working on an engine for the racing circuit.
Why doesn’t Porsche have an F1 team?
Porsche left Formula One at the end of the season due to exorbitant expenditures after recently purchasing the Reutter facility. Due to the fact that F1 was too far removed from road cars, Volkswagen and German suppliers had no interest in making a commitment.
Will Porsche be a Formula One constructor?
Despite their shared ownership, Audi and Porsche will maintain their distinct Formula 1 initiatives, according to Audi.
Audi announced on Friday that it will begin competing in Formula 1 in 2026 as a power unit constructor with a German-based program.
Before the end of 2022, a decision is likely to be made on forming an affiliation with Sauber Motorsport and eventually purchasing a majority share.
The commercial collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Sauber regarding branding, which dates back to 2018, was stated to be ending before the end of 2023 shortly after Audi’s news conference.
It is anticipated that Porsche, a member of the Volkswagen Group, will collaborate with Red Bull Racing starting in 2026.
Will Lamborghini enter the F1?
A renowned supercar manufacturer called Lamborghini is renowned for creating some of the world’s most unusual and sought-after automobiles. Despite its widespread appeal, Lamborghini rarely makes news for entering Formula 1.
Lamborghini probably won’t make a move to F1 anytime soon. Early in the 1990s, Lamborghini briefly participated in Formula One as an engine supplier, but they never became an official team. The Volkswagen group, which owns Lamborghini, ultimately determines whether or not the company will participate in the sport.
When joining as a new team, it might be challenging to stay up with the other teams due to the fierce competition in Formula One. Additionally, joining Formula 1 is not an easy procedure, which we shall go into more depth about below.
Is Audi forming a Formula One team?
Audi F1 launch livery on a show car With a specifically created power unit, the luxury brand will start competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026. The project’s headquarters will be at the Audi Sport site in Neuburg, close to Ingolstadt.
Who will compete in F1 in 2023?
Friday, September 2, 2022, at 15:30. It is now official that Oscar Piastri will take Daniel Ricciardo’s spot at McLaren in 2023. The current Alpine reserve driver, who has been the subject of weeks of rumors and conjecture over the 2021 Formula 2 champion, will transition into an F1 race seat in 2019.
Following Fernando Alonso’s shocking decision to Aston Martin, Piastri’s dramatic breakup with Alpine has been publicly played out over the past month. And it appears that the fact that he already had a contract with McLaren caused him to react angrily when Alpine tried to confirm him as its driver in 2023. We now know that the contract is a long-term arrangement.
Valtteri Bottas 77
No. 10 Pierre Gasly
Esteban Ocon 31
Fernando Alonso 14
Charles Leclerc 16
Carlos Sainz Jr., No. 55
Kevin Magnussen 20
Lando Norris (4)
Lewis Hamilton, 44
George Russell 63
Sergio Perez 11.
Max Verstappen, 33
Alex Albon 23