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- Porsche and Audi were included in the F1 discussions about the next generation of Formula 1 engines planned for 2026.
- It is believed that the discussions have focused on simplifying the motor formula, removing the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) while making it more cost effective.
- Porsche was already successful in Formula 1 when it worked with McLaren in the mid-1980s.
The German automobile giant Porsche is “seriously” considering a presence in Formula 1 when new engine regulations are introduced in 2026.
Formula 1 is still working on its next specification engine, with progress being made in the past few months on the exact composition. And this work got Porsche’s attention.
Existing manufacturers of power units – Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and the newly founded Red Bull Powertrains (which will take over the intellectual property of Honda from 2022) – were represented in discussions along with potential parties, especially Porsche and Audi, both of which are owned from the Volkswagen Group.
Representing the VW group in Formula 1 would be a coup for the championship officials, especially given Honda’s imminent exit, although rumors of its possible presence have been around for several years and they have yet to commit.
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It is believed that the discussions have focused on simplifying the motor formula, removing the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) while making it more cost effective. Future market participants are not ready to face years of competition before they have reached a certain level, while existing manufacturers do not want to forego their accumulated experience.
Porsche’s official line on the situation remains unchanged when Porsche boss Oliver Blume confirmed at the beginning of the year: “The VW Group is examining whether entry into Formula 1 would be attractive for us. But no decision has been made yet. “
Since then, things have moved on. The newly appointed Vice President Motorsport at Porsche Thomas Laudenbach, quoted by Motorsport Magazine, said this week: “It’s no secret that we’re thinking about it [entering F1] and talk to the FIA.
“We are seriously considering, but there is still no decision. I don’t know whether we’ll be there or not. “
“With regard to Formula 1, many things are going in the right direction.”
Laudenbach added that “a lot of things are going in the right direction in F1. It is clear that you cannot move forward with a battery electric vehicle, we all know that. However, the electrical part of the powertrain needs to be given a much higher priority. This is important because if you want to show yourself as an OEM in motorsport, it has to be relevant to what you have on the road. “
Porsche has long been present in sports cars and has committed itself to the new LMDh category of the endurance world championship for 2023, to which Le Mans also belongs. Porsche also has a team in Formula E and will continue to be represented when the Gen3 car arrives for the 2022/23 season.
In Formula 1, ex-VW figures play a prominent role in the championship. Former VW rally boss Jost Capito is now in charge of Williams, while McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl was previously in charge of Porsche’s Le Mans program. Stefano Domenicali, who took over the position of Formula 1 CEO and Chairman in early 2021, previously worked for the VW subsidiary Lamborghini. Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, worked for VW for over a decade, including as chairman of SEAT. Formula 1 recently signed a contract with Qatar for a race in 2021 and a 10-year contract from 2023 – Qatar’s state fund holds 15 percent of the shares in the VW group.
Formula 1 has grown in popularity in recent years as the sport has grown since the Liberty Media acquisition, while the cost cap means there is no more unlimited and potentially harmful spending. The ambition to use 100% sustainable fuels is also a step in the right direction. But as always at Porsche, everyone is waiting to see how Formula 1 will swing.
Porsche was already successful in Formula 1 when it collaborated with McLaren in the mid-1980s, with its engines labeled under the TAG guise. It was last seen in 1991 when it had a brief and disastrous stint on the now defunct Footwork Arrows team.
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