Formula 1 is getting two prominent newcomers: According to RTL/ntv information, Audi will be entering the premier motorsport class from 2026. A second German automobile manufacturer, Porsche, will follow.
The Audi Board of Management will officially announce its decision in the next three to four days. The reason for this is the 15-day registration period that has been in effect since last Tuesday. Audi and Porsche must therefore register with the FIA, the world automobile association, by August 31 in order to be able to compete in Formula 1 from 2026.
Porsche will probably wait until shortly before the Belgian Grand Prix to confirm this. The Grand Prix will take place at Spa-Francorchamps from August 26th to 28th.
Audi and Porsche with different plans
The two car manufacturers are pursuing different plans in Formula 1. Audi doesn’t just want to be an engine manufacturer, but is actively looking for a team. According to RTL/ntv information, the group from Ingolstadt has already put out feelers to McLaren and Sauber.
The racing team from Switzerland, which is currently active under the name Alfa Romeo, is the first option for talks. Negotiations about a possible purchase are likely to last until autumn. Audi and Sauber have been in contact for a long time, as developments for other sports car categories have taken place in the wind tunnel in the past.
“That would then be a complete takeover, so that there will be an Audi car in Formula 1 from 2026, which will be completely equipped by Audi,” explains F1 reporter Felix Görner the possible scenario.
Porsche, on the other hand, is pursuing a different strategy. From 2026, the Stuttgart-based company will most likely act as Red Bull’s engine partner.
Porsche’s goal is to buy 50 percent of the Austrian racing team. In this case, the German manufacturer would be a shareholder in Red Bull Racing. The currently leading team in the constructors’ championship will be equipped with engines by Honda until 2025. From 2026, the way will be clear for Porsche.
Formula 1 is getting greener
The latest developments around Audi and Porsche are related to the new engine regulations. The FIA had officially confirmed the future statutes on Tuesday, thereby laying the foundation for the entry of the VW subsidiaries.
The World Automobile Association had accommodated Audi and Porsche. Although the engines will continue to have a displacement of 1.6 liters and six cylinders in the future, the proportion of electrical energy will be increased to 475 hp. The remaining 540 hp come from a combustion engine. However, the fuel should be one hundred percent CO2-neutral – a major concern of Audi and Porsche.
From 2026 there will be at least three German racing teams in Formula 1. Certainly a good sign for German drivers like Mick Schumacher.