Porche and Audi target German drivers as their priority for their teams upon their 2026 F1 entry, confirms Volkswagen CEO
Follow Us
Porche's concept
Volkswagen Group, one of the largest engine manufacturers in the world, has announced Porche and Audi are set to join F1 in 2026, however, the details are still a bit unclear. Its CEO Herbert Diess announced the news clearing that only these two premium brands will join and not Volkswagen.
Quoted by Italian Motorsport.com, Herbert announced, “I can say this: the premium brands have decided to enter Formula 1 with our support. As for Porsche, the project is already relatively concrete. As for Audi, however, not so much yet.”
It hasn’t been decided in which form will the brands race or the teams that they will partner with, but the rumors say Porche is likely to go with Red Bull to help with the new power unit that comes into effect from 2026, and Audi to join hands with McLaren.
The Volkswagen Group also owns some of the largest car brands in the world, including Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ducati, amongst many others. Herbert Diess cited the growing popularity of F1 in the Americas and other parts of the world as one of the main reasons behind the decision, enabling the brands to tap into the lesser-known markets.
Porche and Audi to choose German drivers
Generally, it is observed that the teams prefer to keep the drivers from the country of their own origin. And if they aren’t able to do that, they try to influence their partner teams to pick a driver of their choice.
Similarly, due to Volkswagen Group’s German links, they confirmed they will prefer German drivers in their two teams. Group’s CEO said with reasoning, “We will try to employ German drivers in our two teams for sure. It helps in the home country, and I also know of plans that we will have a Grand Prix in Germany again, which should then also revive Formula 1 in Germany once again. So it makes sense internationally, but also for Germany.”
We will have to probably wait more time for the details to come out. The addition of these two power horses is surely going to spice up the competition, given the investment and the time that they’re pouring in.
Stay Updated!
Manan Goel
(400 Articles Published)