"Audi e porkhe have decided to enter Formula 1 from 2026″ announces the CEO of the Volkswagen Group, Herbert diess. The new generation of Power Units will therefore see the arrival of two new engineers in Circus. The statements put an end, at least for now, to the doubts about the participation of the two Premium brands, mainly linked to future of the regulations and conditions questioned by the two German brands.
The years of change have begun for the Formula 1, starting with the debut of the brand new single-seaters 2022, which with the start of the season in Bahrain they baptized one "new era” of this sport. A journey that will see a second milestone in 2026, the year in which the engine builders' game will reopen, with the introduction of a new cycle of technical regulations, linked above all to the development of Power Unit, in which it will disappearMGU-H, the system on the front axle of single-seaters that transforms kinetic energy and exhaust gases into an extra horsepower boost, the absence of which will lead to lower costs for manufacturers.
Where Formula 1 makes the difference
Diess stated that the commitment of the F1 on the front sustainability, the interest of the category in markets such as the United States e Asia , growing popularity among younger viewers were the reasons that made the choice more attractive.
“What are the reasons for this decision? First of all, it must be said that the Formula 1 it is developing extremely positively all over the world. Netflix brought the continuation of the Formula 1 to grow significantly also in the United States. THEAsia is growing significantly, including the young people who follow it. If you look at big sporting events or events in the world, it's the case that in motorsport, it's really just the Formula 1 what matters and longed becoming more and more diverse. If you do motorsport, you should do the Formula 1. That's where the impact is greatest."
Although the methods of participation are not yet clear, or the teams that the two brands will assist – we are talking about Red Bull for Porsche e Audi for McLaren – comes a confirmation regarding the DO NOT di Volkswagen, also called into question "Volkswagen does not enter Formula 1. It is not a suitable brand and will not participate”, he precised Diess. "For Porsche, il project it is already relatively concrete. Regarding Audi, on the other hand, not yet so much”.
“Both premium brands believe that the F1 it will also be a lot planet. The Formula 1 it will run on synthetic fuels, be CO2 neutral and have a much higher percentage of electrification. And we assume it will still be the biggest motor show in the world in 2026, 2028. Much more than today. More in China, more in the United States than is the case today. And therefore also the largest marketing platform for premium vehicles. This is the premise."
“We have enough to do. But our premium brands say the Formula 1 it is the most important lever to increase brand value and to be able to take a little more for cars in terms of price. E also to demonstrate to the competition that you have superior technology, in the case of theAudi. That's why the board of directors and the supervisory board all voted in favor of this. Audi he still has to decide in which constellation and with which team. But both started to develop the engines”.
According to rumors Audi would be ready to offer about 500 million euros ($556,30 million) for the McLaren, while Porsche seems closer to partnering with the new division Red Bull Power Trains, “self-taught” since the release of Honda at the end 2021.
Source: Motorsport.com
