F1 rivalry between Mercedes and Audi has already started due to subtle digs
F1 News
- GPblog.com
It was officially announced earlier this week that Audi have secured a minority stake in the Sauber Group, officially taking the first step towards entering F1 in 2026. This was to be expected after a partnership with Sauber was announced back in October to begin in 2026. Audi have taken the first official step towards entering F1, but how will Mercedes react? Will Audi's biggest rival finally feel the pressure?
A war of words already
Audi and Mercedes will be Germany's biggest engine manufacturers in 2026. Although Mercedes have kept a low profile on Audi's entry, Audi have already fired many shots at their domestic rivals. Back in August, the brand, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, heated up the competition when they declared on their own social media: "Rings are the new stars."
But that was not all. Audi wants Mercedes to feel challenged and have since spoken several times about Mercedes building sites based in the UK rather than Germany.
"This is the first time in more than a decade that a Formula 1 power train will be built in Germany." Audi stated in the first press release announcing its entry into F1.
Advantages for Germany?
However, this rivalry seems to have more advantages than anything else. Let's face it, after the departure of Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher placed on the Mercedes bench, the Germans don't really have anything to look forward to or cheer about. Add to that Mercedes losing to Red Bull in 2022, and it's almost expected that the Germans have lost interest in the sport. Without well-known German drivers on the grid, a 100% winning team or the opportunity to host a Grand Prix in their own country, what is left?
I believe that this rivalry could be the only reason that could reawaken the Germans' love for the sport. This national rivalry could not only fuel the fire of German dominance and a possible German comeback in the hearts of old fans, but possibly also attract new, young German drivers to the sport.
Add a third to the mix
What's better than a battle between two big German brands? A great battle between three great German brands!
In fact, Audi are not the only Volkswagen Group brand that want to enter Formula 1 in 2026. A cryptic Instagram post by Porsche stirred up rumours of a partnership with Williams. While that wasn't the case, fans are still expecting Porsche to return to Formula 1 - hopefully starting in 2026. The interest is certaintly there because of the 'almost' partnership with Red Bull. Though it has to be acknowledged that some deadlines have already been missed.
If Porsche join and all three brands are represented in Formula 1 in 2026 - either as engine suppliers or as factory teams - that will definitely inspire the next generation of German drivers. Will 2026 then be the year of German domination? Only time will tell.