The Volkswagen Group have given the clearest indication yet that Porsche and Audi will enter Formula 1 from the 2026 season. Porsche and Audi – both premium Volkswagen brands – have been heavily linked with F1 entries in recent times, as the sport works towards a new engine formula . A recent meeting of the Volkswagen Group's Supervisory Board led to further positive noises coming from their camp , and company CEO Herbert Diess confirmed on Monday that Porsche and Audi have decided to proceed with their plans. Speaking in a conference, broadcast on the Volkswagen Group's YouTube channel, Diess pointed to Porsche's plans being more advanced than Audi's, but stopped short of setting out any specific details.
How will the two brands enter F1?
Red Bull and Porsche's names have been repeatedly put together for an F1 collaboration, potentially using the team's new Powertrains division. Alongside this, it is understood that Audi have been evaluating a partnership with several teams, including McLaren, Williams and Sauber. Audi have never made the step into F1, while Porsche were last involved back in 1991, as an engine supplier for Footwork. Prior to that, Porsche's greatest success in F1 came as an engine supplier to McLaren in the '80s, which were branded as TAG/Porsche up until 1987, winning 24 races between 1984 and '87, as well as two Constructors' Championships in '84 and '85.
What's the latest with F1's new engine formula?
F1's governing body, the FIA, recently shared a fresh update regarding the sport's future engine regulations. Following on from the last communication in December, which centred around four pillars , further progress was shared, in tandem with planned updates to the aerodynamic rules. The FIA have set the following preliminary targets after simulation work by their own aero department: Significantly reduced drag to improve sustainability and efficiency and complement the power unit characteristics. Maintain and improve on recent lessons learned about close racing and cars being able to follow each other. Reduce car dimensions. Reduce or contain car mass. Sustainability: continue path towards the standardisation or simplification of strategically-selected components for cost-cutting purposes. Expand the usage of sustainable materials or technologies and focus on recyclability. Continued innovation in terms of car safety, moving towards active and connected safety systems.
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