After years of speculation, the arrival of two of the VAG Group brands in Formula 1 is finally closer than ever. However, this will not be officially confirmed until the new engine regulations are approved.
The entry of any of the brands of the VAG Group in Formula 1 has been a recurring theme in the media for years, but now it is closer than ever.
And it will not be one brand, but two: Audi and Porsche. “The management and supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG, Porsche AG and AUDI AG have confirmed plans for a possible Formula 1 entry for the two brands.. The Audi and Porsche brands will provide details later,” said a spokesman for the German automotive group.
“This gives our company the opportunity to demonstrate the motto ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ at the pinnacle of motorsport from 2026.”
Porsche has been linked to Red Bull for a long time and seems to be close to an agreement for the supply of engines that would include the new powertrain division of the Austrian brand, Red Bull Powertrains, launched after the official confirmation of Honda’s departure from Formula 1.
But according to Auto Motor und Sport, there is uncertainty about how Audi will enter the category. McLaren had been the favorite team until now, but according to the German media, the 650 million euros offered by the brand with the four rings do not convince the Woking-based brand, so it is unlikely that an agreement will take place. In that case, Sauber would top the list ahead of Williams and Aston Martin.
The new regulation, the final step
Once the decision to enter Formula 1 has been made, it only remains for the category to confirm its intention to renew the current engines with a new regulation that would come into force in 2026.
“This gives our company the opportunity to demonstrate the motto ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ (“At the forefront of technology”) at the pinnacle of motorsport from 2026,” the VW Group statement expands. “We have not yet made a formal decision, as we are currently in the final phase of evaluation. At the moment, the new regulation for 2026 and beyond is not yet available”.
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The new regulation will have the same type of engine: a V6 turbo hybridalthough more sustainable and with greater electrical power, as well as being simpler and cheaper.
“It will bring about profound changes to make the sport more sustainable, which is a prerequisite for the possible entry of Audi.. Audi Sport is in direct talks with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on this matter. Our decision will be announced as soon as it is made,” concludes the VAG Group spokesperson.