In early May, former Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess confirmed that Porsche and Audi would enter Formula 1 from the 2026 season when a new set of regulations come into effect. Rumors were already circulating about Zuffenhausen seeking to sign a deal with Red Bull for the new era of F1 in which the cars will run on fully synthetic fuel. A press release published today by Porsche confirms that talks have taken place in recent months, but not anymore.
The two sides failed to reach an agreement due to differences in the way the team works. Porsche wanted the F1 tie-up to be “based on equal footing”, but Red Bull refused. The will of the German sports car brand was to provide more than the engine by assuming half of the responsibilities of the team.
“The premise has always been that a partnership would be based on equal footing, which would include not only a driving partnership but also the team. This could not be achieved.”
4 Pictures
Our sister site Motorsport.com As a good source, Porsche actually wanted to take a 50% share in the F1 business of Red Bull, which ultimately represented the bone of contention. Interestingly, the original plan was to formalize the deal in mid-July at the Austrian Grand Prix, but that obviously never happened as talks dragged on.
Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner insists the team should retain its independence from 2026. During last weekend’s F1 race at Zandvoort he reportedly said: “The team is the greatest marketing asset in the world for Red Bull – why would we compromise strategically for the long term We are on a truly exciting trajectory that is not dependent on outside involvement or investment if there is strategically the good partner.”
Although an agreement with Red Bull has not officially been concluded, Porsche is still interested in joining F1: “With the rule changes finalised, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored.”
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that Audi is looking to strike a deal with Sauber and enter F1 from 2026.
In early May, former Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess confirmed that Porsche and Audi would enter Formula 1 from the 2026 season when a new set of regulations come into effect. Rumors were already circulating about Zuffenhausen seeking to sign a deal with Red Bull for the new era of F1 in which the cars will run on fully synthetic fuel. A press release published today by Porsche confirms that talks have taken place in recent months, but not anymore.
The two sides failed to reach an agreement due to differences in the way the team works. Porsche wanted the F1 tie-up to be “based on equal footing”, but Red Bull refused. The will of the German sports car brand was to provide more than the engine by assuming half of the responsibilities of the team.
“The premise has always been that a partnership would be based on equal footing, which would include not only a driving partnership but also the team. This could not be achieved.”
4 Pictures
Our sister site Motorsport.com As a good source, Porsche actually wanted to take a 50% share in the F1 business of Red Bull, which ultimately represented the bone of contention. Interestingly, the original plan was to formalize the deal in mid-July at the Austrian Grand Prix, but that obviously never happened as talks dragged on.
Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner insists the team should retain its independence from 2026. During last weekend’s F1 race at Zandvoort he reportedly said: “The team is the greatest marketing asset in the world for Red Bull – why would we compromise strategically for the long term We are on a truly exciting trajectory that is not dependent on outside involvement or investment if there is strategically the good partner.”
Although an agreement with Red Bull has not officially been concluded, Porsche is still interested in joining F1: “With the rule changes finalised, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored.”
Meanwhile, recent reports indicate that Audi is looking to strike a deal with Sauber and enter F1 from 2026.