Formula 1: Volkswagen confirms entry of Porsche and Audi into F1 in 2026

As rumors spread, it now seems almost certain that Porsche will be working with Red Bull Racing as an engine supplier under the new 2026 technical regulations, while Audi is reportedly interested in participating as a full manufacturer (chassis and engine) and a part of which to buy the existing groups.

Recently, the VW Group board of directors has not made a final decision on Porsche and Audi entering Formula 1 in 2026, but has indicated it is further exploring the possibility. But as Dees says now, the decisions have been made.

The German said that the two companies “decided to get in Formula 1 ” and continued: “Your decision Porsche is already pretty grounded, but it is Audi not as much”. This arguably confirms that Porsche will be supplying engines to the RBR from 2026 and possibly set up its plant at the new Red Bull Powertrains engine plant that the Austrian team built last year alongside the chassis factory in Milton Keynes.

At Audi, however, the level of commitment is still fluid. The company wants to buy all or part of one of its existing F1 teams. It is said to have recently made a €650m bid for a McLaren stake, but Woking’s team turned it down because they disagreed with Audi’s involvement in the decision-making process. So this proposal to McLaren failed.

Sauber (which makes Alfa Romeo cars) is now reportedly within reach of Audi, while both Williams and Aston Martin have publicly expressed interest in working with the German company. Dees confirmed that Audi has yet to find the team it will work with.

With the entry of Porsche in 2026, Porsche is returning to Formula 1 after 35 years. She left in 1991 after a disastrous association with the Footwork team, unrelated to the glory days of her association with McLaren in the 1980s. Audi has never been in F1.

Diss said that Porsche and Audi naturally made their decisions with support from the VW Group due to the 2026 regulations’ emphasis on sustainability and hybrid systems, the sport’s rapid growth in the United States and Asia (particularly China) in recent years years, but also in its growing popularity with young audiences. “If you are interested in motorsport, you have to be there Formula 1. This is the most influential platform “emphasized the German.

It has long been known that VW has set its own conditions for changes to the engine regulations in Formula 1 from 2026. These changes, which will be finalized next June, include the elimination of one of the two electric motors (MGU-H). highest electricity and the use of 100% biofuels.

“You cannot enter formula 1 “If no technology window opens, you have to change the rules to get there.” emphasizes Dees. In essence, his words mean that with all manufacturers starting out with new regulations in white, the company entering the sport can be competitive from the moment it arrives. ““You have to develop a new engine and it takes three to four years to develop.” added the German.

And indeed, it confirmed that Porsche and Audi have started designing the 2026 F1 engines.”We assume that in 2026 or 2028 this will even be the biggest racing spectacle in the world, even more than today. All the more in China and the USA and thus the world’s largest platform for bonus Vehicles “concluded Dees.

According to information, Porsche’s official announcement of its entry into Formula 1 is to be made in July, as part of the GP Austria – home of Red Bull Racing, with which Porsche will undoubtedly cooperate. Audi’s announcement, it seems, will take longer.