Porsche has been reported to be “seriously considering” an F1 return, in time for the 2026 engine rules.
According to Autosport, the Volkswagen group is discussing an F1 entry. Among their company umbrella, Porsche and Audi are the favourites to enter the sport. With the sport trying to tone down engine rule complexities and embrace hybrid technology, Porsche being a pioneer wants in.
This is not the first time Porsche has considered joining F1. Back in 2017, they developed an engine which was actually functional. However, they didn’t go through with it.
Four years later, Porsche is “seriously considering” an F1 return, but this time, it will be a long-term project.
Vice President of Porsche Motorsport Thomas Laudenbach said, “As an OEM, you want to show yourself in motorsport, it needs to be relevant to what happens on the road.
“From what I know now, the FIA made a huge step towards that direction. That’s going to help. There needs to be a much higher priority on the electric part of the powertrain. That is important.”
All factors in play
Laudenbach also explained the various aspects of entering F1, and why he feels the move would be an excellent decision by the German automobile giant.
“If you look at PR values, at fanbase, at advertising value, Formula 1 is extremely good compared to other series,” he added.
“At the same time, you have to spend a lot of money, so I think another point is that cost control is in place.
“You would need a partner, and the spectrum ranges from the delivery of engines to the purchase of an entire team. All variants are certainly under discussion.
“If you’re trying to get in with a second or third-row team, it will take time and money to succeed. For us, motorsport is not an end in itself, it has to have a sense for the brand,” he concluded.
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