Will we see new teams? Porsche and Audi are close to entering F1, but have clear requirements

Both German automakers have seriously considered entering Formula 1 in the past. The reality is that both Porsche and Audi are really close to entering the queen of motorsport. However, new regulations are pending and Volkswagen will have the main say.

After months of speculation, which clearly pointed to the intention to enter Formula 1, it is now finally clear! After Thursday’s board meeting, a plan for their involvement was formally set out. Audi and Porsche may take this as a green light just in view of their entry.

So will we see new teams in Formula 1? That’s unlikely at the moment. The latest information is that future collaborations would mainly consist of work on powertrain development.

At least as far as Porsche is concerned. The world’s media has already leaked information about a gentlemen’s agreement between Porsche and Red Bull. In the past, the Austrian team has been rumored to be looking to create their own factory called Red Bull Powertrains, where they would build their own engines.

However, this alternative is very expensive and complicated in many ways. Things are a little different for Audi, whose representatives have been trying to take over one of the teams for some time.

Already during last season there was talk of a buyout of McLaren. The German carmaker first offered the British stable a sum in excess of 400 million euros, but McLaren clearly refused.

The new offer from Audi is about 650 million euros, but even this amount does not satisfy McLaren representatives. However, further negotiations between Audi and McLaren will be very tricky. In the case of a potential merger of the two brands, it would be a partnership between two large car companies that compete with each other.

Moreover, it cannot be assumed that Audi would be content with a small percentage share. So if we were to see a completely new brand in F1 in the future, Audi is the closest. If the German carmaker’s representatives do not succeed with McLaren, they will try to take over elsewhere.

McLaren’s lack of interest therefore opens up other possibilities for Audi. There is talk of a potential tie-up with Aston Martin, which could provide an alternative long-term plan, especially for stable owner Lawrence Stroll.

However, both companies say one thing – the partnership must be cost-effective and above all they are looking to get rid of complex technology such as MGU-H.

“We haven’t made a final decision yet because we are currently in the final evaluation phase. At the moment, the new regulations for 2026 and beyond are not yet available. These will include far-reaching changes to make the sport more sustainable, which is a prerequisite for Audi’s possible entry,” reads the official statement quoted by Motorsport.

Sources: Motorsport, F1