Porsche and Audi are joining Formula One in 2026
Volkswagen-owned brands Audi and Porsche are joining other big names on the grid in 2026, most likely as engine suppliers.
Volkswagen’s Chief executive Herbert Diess confirmed the german-auto maker will enter the highest level of international motor racing.
After months of speculation, and division amongst the board, the two brands will cement their names on the championship board.
“Formula 1 is developing extremely positively worldwide. The marketing that is happening there, plus Netflix, has led to Formula 1’s following growing significantly in the U.S. as well. Asia is growing significantly, including among young customer groups.”
“If you do motorsport, you should do Formula 1 as that’s where the impact is greatest.”
Herbert Diess
The decision comes after Formula One declared new engine regulations planned for 2026, which makes it a strategic time to enter the competition.
The changes are set to include an increase in the electric output of power units and the use of sustainable fuels.
“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 said. “That’s coming now, and it will also come in the direction of 2026, when the engines will be electrified to a much greater extent, including with synthetic fuels. That means you need a new engine development and you need three or four years to develop a new engine.
“That means you can decide now to do Formula 1 – or then probably not again for 10 years. And our two premium brands think that’s the right thing to do, and are prioritising it.”
Herbert Diess
The team that each brand’s engines will power hasn’t been confirmed yet but some predict Porsche will team up with Red Bull and Audi with McClaren.
Formula One grows in popularity
The Netflix series ‘Drive To Survive’ that documents every season of the Grand Prix Championship has fueled an interest in Formula One like never before.
The series gives the audience an exclusive insight into the people in one of the world’s greatest racing competitions.
An unprecedented amount of people are now fiercely interested in the championship.
So far, Ferrari is leading the season, with Red Bull trailing behind by 27 points. The Formula One community is now headed to Miami for race day on Sunday May 8.
Just days before the Miami Grand Prix kicks off McClaren’s Lando Norris put Basketballing superstar Jimmy Butler in the hot seat.
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