The Volkswagen Group, which owns the Porsche and Audi brands, has been involved in recent meetings with the FIA and current Formula 1 manufacturers to discuss a potential entry from 2026, when the new engine regulations arrive.
The attempt to please both current teams and brands potentially interested in entering Formula 1 with the new regulations appears to have made progress, with the MGU-H appearing set to be eliminated as a compromise point.
Discussions are still ongoing, however, with a key element linked to the potential advantages that could be given to new manufacturers to prevent them from turning out to be too little competitive in comparison with those who already have great experience with current hybrid turbos.
Porsche F1 livery concept
Porsche has been evaluating involvement in Formula 1 for many years, and has been working on a project that could lead to the conversion of its WEC engine. However, the plan was abandoned when F1 abandoned the idea of immediately revising its rules.
The recent meetings were attended by CEO, Oliver Blume, but now the new vice president of motorsport, Thomas Laudenbach, has been heavily involved in the decision-making process and explained that the factors required for the next generation of power units for Porsche to engage in Formula 1 are lining up.
These relate to Formula 1’s ability to be relevant to road car technology, with Porsche pushing for an increase in the electrified element in the turbo-hybrid package.
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport
Photo by: Porsche Motorsport
Speaking to selected media outlets, including Motorsport.com, Laudenbach said: “If you look to the future and look at what automakers are announcing about the share of electric vehicles they want to sell in the future, I think it’s very important. that Formula 1 takes a step towards electrification “.
“It is clear that you cannot make a fully electric car. We all know that. But there has to be a much higher priority on the electric part of the powertrain. This is important. As a manufacturer, you want to get noticed in motorsport, but this has to be also relevant for what happens on the road “.
Porsche F1 livery concept
“From what I know now, the FIA has taken a huge step in this direction. And I think this will help.”
Laudenbach has pushed on the need for Formula 1 to move forward with its cost-cutting measures, beyond the recently introduced budget cap, if it is to increase the likelihood of a commitment from Porsche.
This would help balance the cost of increasing the electrical capacity of the power units, with Laudenbach suggesting using more standardized parts in the internal combustion engine.
“It is no secret that we are thinking about F1. It is no secret that we are talking to the FIA and it is no secret that we are considering it seriously. But no decision has yet been made.”
“From what I know, a lot of things are going in the right direction as far as Formula 1 is concerned, as far as the electrification or the electrical part of the powertrain is concerned.”
“We would like to see more standard parts in the engine and freedom in the electrical parts. And many of the factors I mentioned, from what we know, could become a reality.”
Laudenbach, who has returned to Porsche to replace Fritz Enzinger after an eight-year stint at Audi Sport, stressed once again that the final decision has not yet been made, but also added that it cannot wait too long for to do it.
“One thing is clear, if we make this decision we can’t wait too long, because if you want to race in 2025 you have to start working on it sooner or later. This is where we are.”
“If anyone really thinks about getting into Formula 1 as a power unit manufacturer, it should always combine with a major rule change, so everyone has to take a step and you’re not the only one.”
“It is no secret that when you look at the public and the advertising value, Formula 1 is extremely good compared to other championships. There is no doubt about that,” he concluded.
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