As we enter the middle of the 2022 season, many teams are already thinking about the future. In fact, we look to 2026, the year in which many things are ready to change.
Power Unit from 2026, the news
As you know, from 2026 there will be a change in the Power Units. In fact, we are talking about Power Units with 100% synthetic fuels. The biggest news, however, is represented since the elimination of the MGU-H, component located on the turbocharger. The electrical part will therefore consist only of the MGU-K.
Audi and Porsche prepare
A change that could lead to the entry into Formula One of two very important motor manufacturers: Porsche and Audi. The two brands of Volkswagen group they study the situation and prepare the assault to become new suppliers. Indeed, it was initially thought that to the idea of having new teams in Formula One, but the registration fee (equal to 150 million dollars) is certainly not the easiest. Without forgetting that the current teams in the Circus are not willing to share the revenues with other new stables.
Plan B
For such reasons, both Porsche and Audi study entry into Formula One as engine suppliers. For Porsche, the negotiation travels forwarded and seems to be too close to conclusion. The Volkswagen group brand is in fact close to becoming, from 2026, supplier of the Red Bull. After Honda's farewell, at the end of last season, and the engines frozen until 2025, the Milton Keynes team wants to be more than ready for the start of the new era.
Audi aims for McLaren
Audi instead the speech it's slightly different. The initial idea for the team with the four rings was to take possession of one of the Formula One teams. In fact, McLaren was thought of. However, the Woking team, after a couple of hesitations, has not opened up to this possibility, but does not rule out a change in the Power Unit in 2026.
Brown closes the door
The question was addressed by the McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who said:
“We have had conversations with Audi - He admitted - i our shareholders are motivated and have no intention of selling McLaren. In terms of supply, we have a contract with Mercedes, which we are satisfied with and which ends with the next generation of engines. Obviously we will look at the opportunities that exist for 2026 but we are not interested in selling”.
STATEMENT SOURCE: FormulaPassion
