A future entry into the series, according to the maker, is still appealing.
For months, the F1 team and the producer of road vehicles have been discussing a possible partnership. Audi, a brand belonging to the same Volkswagen Group as Porsche, has already committed in response to the new engine restrictions that will be implemented for the 2026 season.
Herbert Diess, the former CEO of the VW Group, stated in May that both manufacturers had “chosen to enter Formula 1,” citing the growing interest in the competition. He said at the time that Porsche’s intentions were “already reasonably concrete,” whereas Audi’s were “not so much.”
But although Audi announced its expected arrival last month, Porsche and Red Bull’s negotiations came to a deadlock.
The potential of Porsche’s entry into Formula 1 has been discussed over the past few months, according to a statement from Porsche AG and Red Bull GmbH. “The two companies have now jointly decided that these discussions will not be resumed.”
The scope of Porsche’s incorporation into the Red Bull squad could not be agreed upon by the two parties.
The foundation of a relationship, according to Porsche, “was always that it would be built on an equal footing, which would encompass not only an engine partnership but also the team.” This was not possible to accomplish.
He did, however, say that the manufacturer is leaving the door open for a potential entry into Formula 1. The racing series “remains an appealing environment for Porsche, which will continue to be watched” even with the finalized regulation modifications, it said in its conclusion.
In This Article...
Can Porsche compete in F1?
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.
Which Formula One team is Porsche buying?
Legal documents state that Porsche will buy a 50% stake in Red Bull Technology in order to partner with the team and enter Formula 1 in 2026.
When the new power unit regulations were announced earlier this year, VW stated that the Volkswagen Group was interested in competing in Formula One. Porsche and Audi were given the go-ahead to start developing their entry. Audi’s plans seem less firm at this time, but Porsche has frequently been associated with a relationship with Red Bull, and further information about the plans has now surfaced.
Although there is currently no formal confirmation, Morocco’s mandated publishing of the proposed deal has resulted from the requirement to submit evidence to antitrust authorities:
Porsche has agreed to buy a 50% investment in Red Bull Technology, according to the disclosure form, which claims the deal will be disclosed on August 4 and will need a 10-year commitment. Porsche is anticipated to provide the power unit, but the ownership stake may give it more sway.
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.”
Exists a Porsche F1 vehicle?
Porsche produces the single-seat, open-wheeled 804 racing vehicle to participate in Formula One (F1). In 1962, it competed in one season of 11/2 litre racing. Grands Prix of the Formula One World Championship only
What about an F1 team for Audi?
It follows the publication earlier this month of new power unit regulations, which were created expressly to make it practical and appealing for newcomers to enter the sport at a competitive level.
The 2026 power units will retain the current V6 internal combustion engine architecture but will have more electrical power and only use 100 percent sustainable fuels, according to Audi, two elements that were important in it joining.
Audi, a member of the Volkswagen Group, also stated that it supports F1’s goals to become more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. F1 has set a target of becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and will establish a cost cap for power unit makers in 2023.
It also marks a significant acknowledgment of the importance of the automotive industry’s transition to hybrid engines powered by sustainable fuels in 2026. We are all anticipating seeing the Audi insignia on the starting grid and will learn more about their plans in due course. a
In advance of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, Audi made its 2026 entry official at a press conference at Spa. Speakers included Domenicali, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann, and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG Markus Duesmann.
The manufacturer stated that by the end of this year, they will disclose their choice of team for 2026.
The engine will be constructed at Audi Sport’s Neuburg factory, the first time an F1 powertrain has been made in Germany in more than ten years.
According to Audi, its Neuburg base already has test stands for evaluating F1 engines as well as electric motors and batteries. By the end of the year, they are working to have the necessary individuals, structures, and technical infrastructure in place. After that, they will have three years to perfect the PU before moving on to F1.
Porsche acquiring Red Bull F1?
Christian Horner, the team’s CEO for Red Bull F1, maintains that the team should continue to be independent starting in 2026. During the F1 race in Zandvoort last weekend, he was reported as saying: “Red Bull’s team is its most valuable marketing asset globally, so why would we strategically jeopardize that? If the proper partner can be found strategically, we’re on a really interesting trajectory that is not dependent on outside involvement or investment.”
Porsche is still interested in competing in Formula One, even though a contract with Red Bull is not formally happening: Despite the approved regulation revisions, Porsche continues to find the racing series to be a desirable environment, which will be closely watched.
Meanwhile, according to recent sources, Audi is seeking to negotiate a deal with Sauber and make its F1 debut in 2026.
Why isn’t Lamborghini in Formula One?
Although the Italian automaker has produced some of the most iconic automobiles in history, Lamborghini hasn’t been the dominant force in Formula 1. Even more people have discovered the sport thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, but some auto fans have noted Lamborghini’s absence from the grid.
Despite not taking part in the event in 2021 or 2022, the Italian automaker has previous experience. According to F1 Technical, Lamborghini raced a vehicle dubbed the Lambo 291 in the 1990s. Despite possessing a strong V12 engine, its brief career didn’t turn out as expected.
There isn’t an official Formula One team for Lamborghini. However, the Italian automaker did make a foray into the sport in the early 1990s. This was the time the automaker ordered engineers Mario Tolentino and Mauro Forghieri to create a new vehicle based on the automaker’s L3512 naturally aspirated V12. Like all F1 vehicles at the time, the Lambo 291 had a carbon-fiber chassis. The automobile was about 1124 pounds in weight. The only transmission used to provide V12 power to the rear wheels was a six-speed manual.
It’s interesting to note that Lamborghini didn’t want its name on the squad since the company didn’t want to damage its reputation if the team failed. The team’s name is Modena because of this. However, Lamborghini decided to call its vehicle the Lambo 291.
Despite enormous expectations, the Lamborghini F1 car wasn’t a huge success. The 1991 Formula 1 season was the sole time the Lambo 291 was active. The pre-qualifying sessions served as its initial test. To even be eligible for one of the 16 races that year, the car had to perform well in these qualifying sessions.
Sadly, the automobile only competed in races six times. The Lambo 291 finished sixth at the U.S. Grand Prix on its best day. Lamborghini didn’t want to invest in a struggling squad, despite the fact that the company had one respectable finish at the beginning of the season. Despite having great hopes in 1992, Modena never returned to Formula 1.
Even if it happens, Lamborghini rejoining Formula One is doubtful. Just to enter costs $200 million. The current teams each receive an equal share of the money. Budgeting would also be required for the creation of a whole new vehicle and powertrain. Because Lamborghini lacks the same racing heritage as Ferrari, it would be prohibitively pricey.
Why tinker with success when Lamborghini’s Urus SUV is breaking sales records? If anything, Porsche or Audi have a stronger chance of entering Formula 1 because Lamborghini is controlled by the Volkswagen group.
If you enjoy reading about racing, come along with me to Italy for my Cradle of Supercars Travel Adventure Tour! Our tour includes driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini, touring historic towns, participating in Italian cooking classes, and visiting exotic factories and museums, including two Ferrari, two Lamborghini, Pagani, Ducati, and the Imola racetrack. All of this is seen through the eyes of fellow car enthusiasts. In case you need a break from all the speed, brake dust, and screeching tires, we also offer a day in Florence, Italy!
Yes, there are enough activities for the traveling companion who isn’t a car aficionado, making this the ideal gift for a birthday or a trip for couples, girls, or boys. From September 1–8, 2022, we’ll be on tour again! Just saying, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to take in the Italian F1 Grand Prix in Monza from September 9–11, 2022.