BREAKING: Volkswagen officially makes entry into Formula 1 in 2026
Spanish Coches
Breaking News
- GPblog.com
Volkswagen has finally come out and officially announced that they will participate in Formula 1 starting in 2026. The German automaker will introduce no less than two car brands to the sport starting that year; Audi and Porsche.
Earlier on Monday, it came out that Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess would have confirmed that Volkswagen would belong to F1 starting in 2026. In a live video on the Volkswagen Group's YouTube channel, Diess confirmed that again, which means we are now certain that Porsche and Audi will be seen on the grid in partnership with an existing F1 team.
Volkswagen waits until 2026
Parent company Volkswagen is bringing two of its brands to Formula One. Audi will debut in the F1 championship and Porsche will make a re-entry after a good thirty years of absence. Because F1 is developing so "extremely positively worldwide," Volkswagen is eager to be part of the sport. Among other things, Diess said that if you do motor sports, you should also do Formula 1. After all, that's where you leave the biggest impression. The CEO also went on to explain why they are not participating until 2026.
This is because major changes to the engine regulations are planned for that year again. Diess says that such a moment is the only time to jump into the sport. According to Volkswagen chief Markus Duesman, an engine developer can improve a good second in a season by optimizing details. Volkswagen doesn't have time for that now; they can only jump on board in the event of a large-scale rule change, and that's what they're doing.
Collaboration with whom?
According to Diess, the choice is a no brainer for him. Porsche is already truly a sports brand, but Audi is lagging behind in that regard. For Audi, on the other hand, there is therefore more to be gained financially from entering F1. With Porsche there is probably more to be gained sport-wise.
Diess goes on to say that not everyone on the board agreed with the decision. There were some reservations because the Volkswagen group wants to develop more in the electric direction. In the end, after consultation, a majority was found in favor of participation. Perhaps the most important thing Diess reports is that Audi has yet to decide in what situation and with what team it wants to work, but both brands have already started developing engines. From this it can be deduced that Porsche already has an 'engine deal' with an existing F1 team. That will in all likelihood be with Red Bull Racing