Williams CEO Jost Capito, who was previously head of Volkswagen Motorsport, believes that the manufacturer is serious about entering Formula 1.
While the German giant doesn’t see the sport as a constructor, it wants to get involved as a manufacturer.
For as long as everyone can remember, VW has been associated with Formula 1, which would enter the sport under the name of either Porsche or Audi.
At the beginning of the month Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Motorsport of Porsche, confirmed that the conditions under which the company would enter the sport are now “coming true”, but that one cannot “wait too long” with a decision.
When asked what the chances are that Volkswagen will take the step, Capito insists that the German giant is serious.
“I think it depends a lot on the regulations,” he told Motorsport.com, “and the ’26 engine regulations are not out yet. I think it all depends.
“If you were serious, you were part of the engine regulations discussions, I don’t think you are wasting your time going to these meetings, especially the CEO who comes to these meetings and is not serious” , he added.
“But in the end it depends on what the final regulations look like, if the Volkswagen Group then thinks it makes sense, they might go to the Board of Management and ask for a decision.”
Earlier this month, it was alleged that the McLaren Group had been sold to Audi, a move that was quickly denied by the Woking company.
Capito doubts that Volkswagen would consider Formula 1 as a designer, but also admits that partnering with an established team could cause difficulties.
“It’s always difficult with a well-known team,” he said. “With a German team in particular, you really can’t run a racing team with all the trade union regulations.
“That’s why Audi has driven with Joest and others in the past,” he continued, referring to his WEC program, “it’s the same as with BMW because it’s very difficult to lead a works team. It could be easier abroad be.” I really do not know it.
“If you look at the Volkswagen Group, they had different strategies in the past. The rally team was a complete works team, and Porsche has outsourced entire works teams, just like with Audi.
“I am not involved in such discussions,” he admitted. “But I think that explains enough to make the right decision for her.”
The post Volkswagen is serious about F1, says Capito first appeared on monter-une-startup.
