Audi and Porsche set to join Formula 1 from 2026 Car News

The Volkswagen Group has plans to enter Formula 1, he confirmed.

During a question-and-answer session, CEO Herbert Diess said the group’s Audi and Porsche brands would both join the sport. “You’ve run out of arguments,” he said.

Diess also revealed that the decision to join F1 had split the Volkswagen Group board, who were eventually convinced to go along with the decision as it will bring in more revenue than it will cost.

He said it will be important to increase brand value and an additional way to demonstrate the technology to competition.

He added that Porsche in particular will reduce its other racing activities to focus on F1.

The decision was also influenced by new F1 engine regulations, set to be introduced for the 2026 season.

“Like [Audi chairman] Markus Duesman always tells me, you typically gain a second per season on a mid-size race track just by optimizing the details,” Diess said.

“But you can’t make up for that when you join a new team: you need five or 10 years to be among the first. In other words, you can only come on board if you have a major rule change. .”

Diess also added that if the Volkswagen Group did not join F1 by then, he would probably have to wait another 10 years for his next opportunity.

“It is happening now, and it will also come around 2026, when engines will be electrified to a much greater extent, including with synthetic fuels,” he said. “That means you need 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 for another 10 years. And our two premium brands think it’s the right thing to do and prioritize it.”

The capacity at which Audi and Porsche will join F1 is not yet clear. Porsche is rumored to be partnering with Red Bull Racing, while Audi was previously linked to McLaren, but both companies have denied any collaboration or purchase.