Audi and Porsche to Join Formula 1

The racing history includes many checkered-flag titles for the Audi and Porsche brands. Unfortunately, neither brand is part of Formula 1.

As this sport expands to new locations around the globe, we expect to see more teams and more brand names as part of the mix. Every European brand wants to grab some of the money made in this sport. You might want to ask why these two brand names haven’t been part of the world’s most popular racing series? There are some reasons for this.

Two Roosters in the Hen House

There’s an old saying that two roosters in a hen house cause chaos, fighting, and trouble. This farmers’ phrase has been used many times to describe problems when too many teams share technology and compete while being part of the same family. This has happened many times in racing, and the Volkswagen Group leaders are afraid infighting and trouble could occur if two brands from this group enter the same racing series. This has been one of the most significant sticking points to these brands not entering Formula 1, but that’s all about to change.

Desires Have Been Strong for Years

Desiring to enter this legendary racing series has been part of what Audi and Porsche have expressed for a long time. While rumors have continued that tell use these brands wanted to be part of the mix, it seems this will finally happen. Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Group CEO, recently made an announcement. Both Audi and Porsche have received approval to enter Formula 1 and begin racing. Now that approval is in place, the plan is for these two brands to enter this part of running for the 2026 racing season.

It Took a Joint Effort to Create Approval

These two brands from the Volkswagen Group had to join forces to convince the board of directors they should be part of Formula 1 racing. The presentation showed the board that joining this racing series would be a net moneymaker rather than one that costs more than it should. Of course, both brands also needed to assure the board that no rifts would occur between the two brands, which allowed them to gain the necessary approval to enter this racing series in two different ways.

How Will Audi and Porsche Enter Formula 1?

As these two brands enter Formula 1 racing, they will do so in very different ways. Audi could purchase an existing racing team. They have their sites set on either McLaren or Sauber. Porsche will likely do something different and become an engine manufacturer for some groups. The possible right partner for the Porsche brand might be Red Bull, a name we’ve seen in this racing series for many years. While we don’t have the specific details, Porsche might be closer to entering than Audi.

The Rule Changes Play into Porsche’s Hand

Porsche already has an investment in fully sustainable synthetic fuels, and it appears this will be the fuel required for Formula 1 racing in 2026. New cars and engines will enter this racing series and become part of the mix by this date. This is the right time for these two new brands to enter the compound and bring their historically respected monikers. With Porsche heavily invested in synthetic fuels to help owners of classic 911 models have alternative energy to keep these cars driving longer, the same power could be used under the new rules of Formula 1 racing.
These rule changes benefit both Audi and Porsche. If these two brands enter this racing series in 2026, they can be competitive because all teams will start from the exact position of technology and development.

It’s Not Officially, Official, but it’s Official

The statements made by Diess don’t offer official confirmation of these two brands entering Formula 1, but that seems a simple formality at this point in the time. While we wait for an official announcement, more rumors might surface, but it looks pretty confident Audi and Porsche will enter this racing series in 2026.

Will Porsche Depart From Other Racing Series?

Currently, Porsche is part of Formula E racing, but this brand will likely shift away from other motorsports to add more focus to Formula 1 racing. This means the Formula E team might be dissolved when this brand begins to focus on the higher-grade racing series entirely. Formula 1 racing has grown in the United States, and the two brands from the Volkswagen Group want to be part of this growth. Don’t be surprised if one of the rule changes in 2026 includes an expanded schedule. Currently, there are only 24 Formula 1 races, which means when a new location is added, others have to be dropped. To maximize revenue for the sport, more races are necessary.

How Has Formula 1 Grown in the United States?

For years, there was only one F1 race in the US in Texas. This year, the racing series expanded to add a race in Miami, and next year, another will be part of the schedule in Las Vegas. While primarily a racing series that isn’t performed in the US, Formula 1 racing is finding a foothold in our country and could soon become a hugely popular sport.

Get Ready for Classic Names in this Classic Racing Series

Porsche and Audi will enter Formula 1 racing in the next few years. Between now and the 2026 season, we’ll learn which racing team Audi buys and the various engines Porsche will make for the Red Bull team. It’s possible Porsche will produce machines for other groups, including the Audi team. Will we see the Audi cars reach the end of the race and win the checkered flag during its inaugural racing season? We won’t know until it’s time to start the engines in 2026.