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Audi, Porsche confirm F1 interest
The Volkswagen Group has confirmed its plans to enter Formula 1 with both the Audi and Porsche brands but will wait to make a final decision until the 2026 power unit rules are finalized.
Both brands have shown an interesting in joining F1 as either power unit manufacturers or full constructors in the past, with the main expectation now being that they will serve as engine suppliers rather than taking over a team completely. The VW board met on Thursday in Wolfsburg and confirmed F1 is on the agenda, but that details are yet to be finalized.
"The management and supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG, Porsche AG and AUDI AG have confirmed plans for a possible entry into Formula 1 by the two brands. The Audi and Porsche brands will provide details later,” a VW spokesperson said.
Porsche has been linked with a Red Bull tie-up for a number of years and appears close to an agreement, but according to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport there is now uncertainty over Audi’s partnership. McLaren had been the favorite but AMuS reports that deal is now unlikely to happen, with Sauber topping the list ahead of Williams and Aston Martin.
"This gives our company the opportunity to demonstrate the motto 'Vorsprung durch Technik' [ED: 'lead by technology] in the pinnacle of motorsport from 2026,” the VW statement added. “We have not yet made a formal decision, as we are currently in the final evaluation phase. At the moment, the new regulations for 2026 and beyond are not yet available.
"It will bring about profound changes to make the sport more sustainable, which is a prerequisite for Audi's possible entry. Audi Sport is in direct discussion with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on this matter. Our decision will be announced as soon as it is made.”
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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