The days before the Turkish Grand Prix, scheduled for 8-10 October, could mark a turning point for the future of Formula 1 in terms of motorsport participating in the world championship. Before the appointment at Istanbul circuit, we could in fact witness the official announcement of the arrival of two new big teams, which could enter the competition starting from the 2026 Formula One world championship.
Both belonging to the Volkswagen Group, they respond to the name of two German brands of the caliber of Audi and Porsche. According to rumors reported by Michael Schmidt, journalist of the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, the representatives of the two manufacturers would in fact be one step away from signing the final decision to enter the top racing series from the 2026 championship, the year in which the new engine regulations will come into force.
The main condition that would push the two manufacturers to finally embrace Formula 1, after long negotiations with it and with the managers of the current teams, would be the implementation of an increase in electric power to 350 kilowatts, together with the removal of the MGU component, condistions which Scuderia Ferrari seems willing to agree to, as confirmed by Mattia Binotto ahead of the Russian Grand Prix:
“If the regulation is agreed on as expected – commented Schmidt – Audi and Porsche will be present in 2026. The disappearance of the MGU-H was an essential condition, but once it is guaranteed it is certain that the two manufacturers will enter Formula 1”.
The hypothesis of a concrete entry into the scene of the two automotive giants had already been linked to Red Bull, during the meetings with the other engineers in recent months. The Austrian team, in fact, will no longer be able to enjoy the full support of Honda starting from next season, with the Milton Keynes house which would therefore be “obliged” to build its own power unit first with the support of the Japanese technicians in 2022, and subsequently with total independence from 2023. These particular conditions had therefore generated rumors of a future collaboration between Red Bull and one of Audi or Porsche. A reasoning that, according to sports journalist Joe Saward, however, has no reason to be true.
Through the pages of his blog, the British journalist in fact explained his point of view regarding this combination: “The rumors that Red Bull want to negotiate with Audi or Porsche – we read – make no sense. . The latter have their own Formula 1-friendly structure in Neuburg and der Donau and Weissach. Why should they spend a lot of money to invest in Milton Keynes while they already have their own offices? These headquarters could also become the homes of new Formula 1 teams, if they really enter the circus from 2026. The fact that Red Bull is developing its own engine – he concluded – based on Honda technology, should make us reflect on the the fact that they already have all the conditions to be able to develop their own power unit that will allow them to win world championships “.
