Tensions are rising amid rumors the Formula 1 field could be increased to include manufacturers Porsche and Audi in the foreseeable future. The potential expansion has been welcomed by many among the motorsport community, but there are fears of close links between certain brands will disrupt the sport.
Porsche and Audi are owned by the Volkswagen Group, but there’s word the former could collaborate with Red Bull on its power unit when the new technical regulations are introduced in 2026. Red Bull Powertrains, the Austrian manufacturer’s new engine supplier, is also hoping to benefit from ‘newcomer’ status in 2026 and thus reap all the financial concessions that come with it.
This would put Porsche in a rather unique position of sharing ownership with one team while working alongside another, leading to concerns about information being shared at Volkswagen. In theory, this would allow teams to stockpile the resources of two or more ‘opponents’ and effectively double their allowance against the budget cap introduced in 2021.
The Race reported it has been informed such an outcome is a “possibility” as the VW Group raises its stakes in F1. It’s also said to be a concern Audi could base its own engine design off the V6 project Porsche abandoned when they last teased an entry into F1 four years ago.
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