Wolff and Horner react to Audi/Porsche rumours

Two of Formula 1's leading team bosses have welcomed the potential entry of the Volkswagen Group when the sport introduces a new engine formula in a few years' time.

A change is planned for 2026 and, in a bid to attract new engine manufacturers, a framework has been outlined to increase electrical power, remove the MGU-H, and reduce the amount of fossil fuels used.

The VW Group management board voted on a potential F1 entry for their Audi and Porsche brands, held at a meeting in Wolfsburg, Germany, earlier this week.

The vote resulted in the automotive giant giving the green light, although there are still plenty of discussions and details to be finalised before their entry can be considered as definite.

Horner welcomes the news

With Red Bull linked to a potential Porsche entry, possibly through an alignment of the Red Bull Powertrains department with the brand, team boss Christian Horner has welcomed the news of their possible arrival in F1.

"I think it's great news for Formula 1 that brands such as Porsche and Audi are looking at entering the category," he told media, including RacingNews365.com, over the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

"It's great to hear that there is that clear intention, subject to regulations, to enter the sport."

Horner: It's "eye-wateringly" exciting for Red Bull

With RBPT building up their facilities to become a manufacturer in their own right - and with Horner also at the helm of the engine department - he said it makes sense to hold discussions with the VW Group.

"Where we are on our journey, it's non-dependent on an OEM coming in and partnering with the team," the Team Principal clarified.

"But, of course, it would be logical to hold those discussions.

"Now that we have that clarity from VW's side, it will be obviously sensible for us to engage in more detailed discussions.

"It's exciting for F1, it's exciting for Porsche and for Audi and, potentially for Red Bull, eye-wateringly exciting."

Wolff positive but cautious

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff also expressed his intrigue at the idea of the VW Group entering F1, but tempered his excitement by pointing out that there is still no confirmation of any agreements being reached.

"It's great if the Volkswagen Group joins Formula 1. [It's a] fantastic brand, and increases the credibility of what we do and they are racers," he said.

"But, as far as I understand, there is no firm commitment yet. It's sitting on the table for the regulations. But, before that commitment is actually confirmed, we can't really know what the plans are."