Stefano Domenicali, F1 managing director, explained that the imminent arrival of Porsche and Audi in the paddock gives “credibility” to the discipline’s environmental policy.
German manufacturers are expected to join the grid in 2026, coinciding with the next era of engine regulations. The partnership between Porsche and Red Bull should be announced in a few weeks.
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The specification change will include a requirement for engines to run on 100% sustainable fuels, meaning the tech could help billions of road users keep their current internal combustion engine cars rather than switch to electrical equivalents.
The fact that Audi and Porsche have recognized this potential is a victory in itself for Domenicali.
« As for the advantage [de l’adhésion d’Audi et de Porsche]the upside is, without a doubt, credibility – showing that our strategy for the future will help the automaker have another path away from being all-electric only in its mobility offering. »said the Italian in a telephone interview with Wall Street investors.
« But also using the know-how that only Formula 1, through the expertise we have, can help them to find new ways to be present in the market. »
« Hybrid power with sustainable fuel will be able to be much more efficient, in our view, worldwide if we are to achieve carbon neutrality. »
Audi and Porsche could attract other manufacturers
The F1 grid has only had 10 teams since Manor’s demise at the end of 2016.
But with Porsche set to partner Red Bull and Audi strongly linked with Alfa Romeo, other manufacturers could make their way onto the grid.
Additional teams are known to be interested in joining the grid with Andretti Global knocking on the door to add a second US team alongside Haas. Domenicali hinted that having additional power unit suppliers could make it easier to increase the total number of cars competing.
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“From a sporting point of view, the more constructors we have, the more the structure in terms of constructors with other teams will allow the sporting side to have more teams that could be considered more independent in the sport.”, added Domenicali.
« I think that would be great news. We’ll see how the situation develops. But whatever decision the OEMs will make very soon, we hope our technology platform for the future is the right one. »
Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei added: « It’s great recognition that these OEMs have said they want to enter the market. »
« Those in question are both huge drivers of innovation and huge drivers of promotion and all of this can only be good for our sport. »
