One of the most well-known brands in auto racing is Porsche, and they have vehicles in several races. Additionally, they are among the most well-known automobile names outside of the racing world. It is therefore reasonable to inquire why Porsche does not have an F1 vehicle.
Porsche doesn’t own an F1 car for a number of reasons, but the primary one is that it doesn’t align with their corporate ideals because it deviates too much from their focus on road cars. They don’t have an F1 car for another major reason, but they do compete in other motorsports.
Porsche dominates the luxury and sports car markets, which deters them from prioritizing motorsport. To understand why they are no longer in Formula 1, however, it is important to consider their former involvement in the sport as well as their numerous other motorsport ventures.
In This Article...
Volkswagen CEO affirms Porsche and Audi will compete in Formula One.
Following months of rumors regarding their separate ambitions, Porsche and Audi will join the F1 grid when the sport’s new engine formula is in effect, according to the CEO of the Volkswagen Group.
The Volkswagen Group has made it quite clear that Porsche and Audi will join Formula 1 starting with the 2026 season.
As the sport strives for a new engine formula, premium Volkswagen brands Porsche and Audi have recently been strongly associated with F1 entries.
Further encouraging rumblings came from the Volkswagen Group’s camp following a recent Supervisory Board meeting, and Herbert Diess, the company’s CEO, revealed on Monday that Porsche and Audi have chosen to move through with their plans.
Diess noted that Porsche’s preparations were farther advanced than Audi’s during a presentation that was aired on the Volkswagen Group’s YouTube page, but he avoided providing any further specifics.
Just Win
Professor h.c. F. German automaker Porsche AG, commonly abbreviated as Porsche AG, is known for its high-performance vehicles and engines. It is believed to be the biggest and most prosperous racing vehicle company in the world, and it is based in Stuttgart.
From 1957 to 1964, Porsche vehicles powered by either Flat-4 or Flat-8 air-cooled engines participated in Formula One. Dan Gurney, driving for them, claimed their lone championship triumph in the 1962 French Grand Prix.
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.
Why the F1 Talks Between Porsche and Red Bull Failed
After several months of discussion, Porsche stated on Friday that its partnership in Formula One talks with Red Bull have come to an end.
The renowned automaker plans to enter the sport in 2026, when the new engine restrictions are anticipated to take effect. ESPN claims that it planned to acquire a 50% stake in Red Bull Technologies, the organization that is the parent of the Formula One team that is currently leading both championships this year. However, it was said that Red Bull was reluctant to cede some of its hold over the team.
Red Bull apparently floated the possibility of investing in the business’s powertrains segment, but discussions broke down. In a statement, Porsche said, “Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG and Red Bull GmbH have discussed the prospect of Porsche’s participation into Formula One over the past few months. The two businesses have now jointly decided that these discussions won’t go any further.
“The idea was always that a relationship would be founded on an equal footing, and that this would apply to both the team and the engine collaboration. This was not feasible. Despite the finalized regulation revisions, Porsche continues to find the racing series to be a desirable environment, which will be closely watched.
Christian Horner, the manager of the Red Bull team, has underlined recently the value of the F1 team’s independence.
At the Dutch Grand Prix, he remarked, “We are an autonomous team, and that’s always been the way we’ve functioned in terms of being flexible and the ability to react quickly and effectively, and that’s part of the DNA of what Red Bull is. The powertrain is obviously a separate difficulty, therefore it would make sense if there was a partner to consider working with on the powertrain.
“Our stance is that the team is without a doubt Red Bull’s biggest marketing asset globally, so why would we purposefully jeopardize that? We’re fully committed to 2026, have brought in some of the best talent in Formula One to Red Bull Powertrains, established a facility in only 55 weeks with fully operational dynos, and have already produced and tested our first prototype engine for the following year.
So, we’re on a pretty interesting trajectory that isn’t reliant on participation from or financing from outside sources. The group would be very interested in it if there was the suitable partner from a strategic standpoint.
According to Autosport, Red Bull Powertrains is creating the team’s 2026 powertrain in the new Milton Keynes plant.
Following the revelation, Horner was questioned about the financial contribution Porsche would have made and whether it would have been a bonus ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend. He said, in part, “But only if it aligned with our DNA and our long-term strategy,” to Autosport on Friday. There was never a conversation about money. Although Porsche is a fantastic brand, its DNA is very different. It became apparent during the conversation process that there was a lack of strategic alignment. Red Bull has proven its abilities in Formula 1. Obviously, we anticipate competing against the OEMs with both the powertrain and the chassis as an independent team and engine manufacturer.
Is there a Formula One team for Porsche?
After the Volkswagen Group granted Porsche permission to compete in Formula One, the German automaker initiated discussions with Red Bull regarding a potential alliance starting in 2026.
However, persistent delays and Red Bull’s apprehension over Porsche’s offer to acquire a 50% stake in the team ultimately forced a stop to negotiations.
In advance of the Italian Grand Prix, Porsche declared on Friday that these negotiations were over and that no partnership with Red Bull will be explored.
The statement states, “Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG and Red Bull GmbH have discussed the prospect of Porsche’s participation into Formula 1 over the course of the last few months.”
“The two corporations have now jointly decided that these discussions won’t go any further.
“The idea was always that a relationship would be founded on an equal footing, and that this would apply to both the team and the engine collaboration. This was not feasible.
Despite the finalized regulation revisions, Porsche continues to find the racing series to be a desirable environment, which will be closely watched.
Under the next generation of power units and the desire to concentrate on sustainable fuels, Porsche and sister VW Group brand Audi were both scheduled to make their F1 debuts in 2026.
Audi has always intended to compete in Formula One only as an engine manufacturer, and the announcement of its inclusion in the grid came at the Belgian Grand Prix late last month.
However, Porsche had always intended to acquire a 50% stake in the Red Bull F1 team, which ultimately led to the breakdown of negotiations.
Red Bull and Porsche had intended to reveal their plans for a partnership as soon as the Austrian Grand Prix in mid-July, but negotiations dragged on.
Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull F1, has emphasized recently the value of maintaining the team’s independence and quick response time, and that preparations for its Red Bull Powertrains operation for 2026 were still moving forward regardless of any potential incoming partners.
Why would we strategically compromise the squad, which is Red Bull’s largest marketing asset globally, in the long run? at Zandvoort on Sunday, Horner said.
“We are totally dedicated to 2026. Red Bull Powertrains has attracted some of the top Formula 1 talent, built a factory in under 55 weeks with fully operational dynos, and built and tested its first prototype engine for the 2026 season before the summer break.
“If there is a strategically sound partner, we’re on a really interesting trajectory that isn’t dependent on outside involvement or investment.”
What possibilities would be available to Porsche for 2026, should its interest in F1 cause it to shift focus elsewhere, is unknown given that Audi is expected to partner with Sauber starting in 2026.
Stefano Domenicali, the head of Formula One, said earlier this week that if Porsche’s plans fell through, other manufacturers were ready to join the grid.
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.
Why doesn’t Porsche compete in Formula One?
Porsche hasn’t competed in Formula One since Footwork replaced the Porsche engines with Cosworth DFRs. In addition to having insufficient horsepower, the 3512 reportedly had serious oil starvation issues that frequently resulted in engine failure.
Has Lamborghini a Formula One team?
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.