In the paddock you can hear that companies like Porsche and Audi are looking for a way into Formula 1; not to form teams, but as an engine supplier. This opens the door for further collaborations across the network. This is taking place against the background of the engine discussions for 2026.
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For teams like McLaren driving a customer engine, this seems like an exciting prospect. With new engine regulations in the works, it could give McLaren a chance to expand beyond what they already have.
Formula 1 F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 11, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo during the sprint qualifying REUTERS / Massimo Pinca
After returning to a Mercedes engine this year, McLaren has done extremely well. the team takes third place in the constructors’ championship. However, the regulatory changes and the introduction of the two brands are in the near future. What is effectively a new car for the team this season, will McLaren continue to stick to the safe option that they have invested heavily in?
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Still, the idea of changing the last letter of the MCL35M to an ‘A’ or a ‘P’ seems promising. The upcoming regulations are intended to change things within the sport.
Porsche & Audi plan to enter Formula 1 only as an engine supplier. That means they have to find existing teams to run their engines. These customers are each treated like a semi-works team (like Red Bull Honda). So I think there will be enough interest.
– Tobi Grüner 
(@tgruener) October 1, 2021
F1 engines in five years
In Formula 1, one always has the future of sport in mind. As a result, F1, FIA and the manufacturers have agreed on new engine rules. Porsche and Audi will only get the green light as manufacturers if the plan works. In addition, a new collaboration between Red Bull and Volkswagen seems to be in the works.
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The current MGU-H engine is to be scrapped. Established manufacturers Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari wanted to keep the engine because of its advances in hybrid engines. Although there is a risk that the MGU-H will become obsolete as Formula 1 is supposed to become sustainable; more precisely electric.
Formula 1 F1 – Great Britain Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Great Britain – July 18, 2021 Charles Leclerc of Ferrari leads in front of Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in the REUTERS / Peter Cziborra race
The same incumbent manufacturers are willing to give up their experience if Volkswagen and other parties like Audi and Porshe make long-term commitments; at least five years. If that comes through, Audi and Porshe will certainly find themselves part of the sport.
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This would mean the two companies share the costs and have double the benefits. They could later be promoted to semi-factory teams. With the customer engine teams having a lot to think about, the changes in 2026 are sure to change the status quo.
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