For over two decades, Formula One has ardently pursued Volkswagen-Audi Group (VAG) in an attempt to get them in the sport. Initially, the goal was to get one of their brands to become an engine supplier, which made a lot of sense. After all, for a time Mercedes and BMW were the most powerful engines on the grid powering two of the top teams in the sport (McLaren and Williams respectively).
Adding a VW-affiliate company (VW, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, etc.) would make a lot of sense since two of the other German auto manufacturers were major players in the early 2000s. And VAG would be a major player given their size and motorsports heritage. But will it happen this time?
Maybe not as I posted the other day. Evidently there are stories out of Germany stating that Audi may not in fact enter F1 with Sauber in 2026. Porsche already pulled out of a deal with Red Bull Racing last year at the eleventh hour so there is a precedent for this. If so, it would represent a major spurning of F1 and result in a lot of embarrassment for those who chased VAG for decades.
The 2026 engine rules were written in consultation with VAG, meaning the FIA and the teams made the rules attractive to them. Plus, I am sure various sponsorship and other commercial deals were discussed to ensure any VAG brand would get a lot of attention when they entered the sport. After all, there was a big presentation when it was announced Audi was joining Sauber for 2026…
So if Porsche and (possibly) Audi don’t join F1, that shows that they are not committed to the sport despite it’s increased profile and financial stability. This doesn’t reflect well on either F1 or VAG since one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world is spurning the highest form of motorsport. It would be a mess and cast some doubt about the desirability of F1 to additional manufacturers.
We’ll find out more fairly soon because if Audi are indeed entering F1, they need to continue to invest the money, build the facilities, and hire the people needed. If nothing else, this will serve as fodder for conversation as the current season draws to a close.
UPDATE: Audi and Sauber will team up in 2026 as previously announced.
