New Rules, New Interest
Those who are long-time fans of Formula One know that this is a super exciting time in the sport. The new regulations of the 2022 season have given us completely new cars and closer racing as a result. This hard reset of the rules is a welcome change. It has given many teams who were struggling for competitiveness a fresh start.
Even better, it gives even more manufacturers and teams the opportunity to join the sport. Since rumors from the beginning of the year, the talk of the town has been that Porsche wants in on Formula One. We were unsure about any real hard evidence about their involvement until now. Their plan was to join Red Bull Racing’s F1 operation as an equal partner in 2026. The German luxury brand wanted no business being in the backseat as an engine supplier. They want a Porsche team with a Porsche chassis and engine.
Logistics to enter Formula One are difficult, even for the largest of manufacturers. Thus, their partnership with a long-standing team is their way in. This gives Porsche access to Red Bull’s well-established development facilities and infrastructure.
What do we know?
According to a publication from a German news source, the deal leaked in Morocco this week. Why Morocco? As part of global anti-trust regulations, the companies had to submit official documentation. Of the 20 countries outside the European Union, Morocco requires publication of any documentation.
According to the German source, the two teams were due to make the announcement at the Austrian Grand Prix three weeks ago. Yet, that never happened. Further postponements kept the news unofficial for months. Now we know some real details.
Porsche wants to enter Formula One in the 2026 season. They also will be a 50-percent partner of Red Bull Racing. They will partner to develop both chassis and engine at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes plant. Red Bull’s sister team, Alpha Tauri, also wants to be receiving the Porsche powerplant.
Why is Porsche interested?
So what prompted the shift for the German luxury automaker? They have been absent from the sport for 31 years, since 1991. Back then they were functioning as an engine supplier. Now, they want a whole team. The catalyst for this change is the resignation of Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess on July 22nd. Taking his place is CEO of Porsche, Oliver Blume.
Blume is a known motorsport fan and has been making an active push for Porsche to enter Formula One. Now as CEO of Volkswagen Group, he was able to make it a reality. Another of the Volkswagen Group’s largest brands, Audi, is also in talks to enter Formula One. They plan to team with Sauber F1 (currently Alfa Romeo). Looking to take a 75-percent share of the team, Audi will be competing alongside Porsche. What an exciting time in the sport. With more changes than ever and more to come, there couldn’t be a better time to be a fan of Formula One!
Source: Motorsport Total
