Audi and Porsche are all set to join Formula 1 from 2026. In a virtual question and answer session, Herbert Diess, CEO of parent company Volkswagen Group, gave a green signal. A meeting of the Volkswagen Group’s supervisory board last month ended without a definitive decision on whether Porsche and Audi would commit to a 2026 Formula One project. It did, however, “confirm plans” for both entries, pending the completion of the final step of its examination.
Diess now claims that Porsche and Audi have agreed to enter, with VW’s support. For months, the two Volkswagen-owned brands have been connected to potential F1 entry in 2026.
Top Tier Racing
“As [Audi chairman] Markus Duesman always tells me, you usually make up one second per season on a medium-sized race track simply by optimizing details,” Diess said. “But you can’t catch up on that when you join a new team; you need five or 10 years to be among the front-runners. In other words, you can only get on board if you have a major rule change.”
He also revealed that the possibility to enter Formula One divided the Volkswagen Group board of directors, but that the decision was ultimately established since it will produce more revenue than it will cost. It will be crucial for developing brand value and demonstrating the technology to competitors, according to him. Diazepam Porsche, in particular, will reduce its other racing operations in order to concentrate on Formula One, he noted.
From 2026, when combustion engines will operate on totally sustainable synthetic fuel, Porsche and Audi are prioritizing their commitment to top-tier racing. According to VW, developing an F1 engine takes three to four years. This, there has to be a decision soon to be ready for 2026. Well, starting in 2026, all cars will be having completely new engines, which may just level the playing field. Both brands have begun engine development. However, no decision on how they would effectively enter F1 has been made at this time.
