The milestone is approaching: Formula 1 is ending the month-long stalemate over the regulations for the engines from the 2026 season. This makes it more likely that Porsche and Audi will get involved. The premium German brands have different plans, which worries the established racing teams.
After months of deadlock, the world automotive association FIA has confirmed the regulations for Formula 1 engines from the 2026 season, thus laying the foundation for Porsche and Audi to enter the field. The World Motor Sport Council approved the draft, which lays down the technical and economic parameters for the new hybrid drives.
Porsche is likely to enter into a cooperation with the top team Red Bull when entering the market. It is speculated that the German company will take over 50 percent of the shares in the racing team from world champion Max Verstappen. However, a few weeks ago, Red Bull’s team boss Christian Horner announced a “lengthy process” that would not end with the future regulations being written. As soon as the rules are official, “we can have further talks with Porsche,” said Horner on the sidelines of the Hungarian Grand Prix. This will be done carefully. “The most important thing is: are the new rules attractive enough for companies like Porsche or Audi.”
The way for sister company Audi is still much unclear. Both VW brands had long since expressed their interest in joining from 2026, but an official announcement always depended on a final agreement on the regulations. In recent months, this has been postponed again and again.
Important details were negotiated for a long time. Which investments fall under the budget cap? Who will be allowed to put how much money in their hands in the coming years? How often can the test bench and wind tunnel be used? “What advantages should a newcomer get?” Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto summarized this recently. The concerns of the incumbents about Ferrari and Mercedes: New manufacturers are coming into what is now more cost-effective Formula 1 – and driving around in front of those who have been investing millions in their racing teams for years.
Now the door seems to be open for Porsche and Audi. The premier class is playing “in a league with the Olympic Games or the World Cup,” enthused Porsche boss Oliver Blume recently in an interview with the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”. However, it is not yet certain that both car manufacturers will get involved and that there will be three German designers in the pit lane alongside the Mercedes racing team, which has been so successful in the past. However, a decision is expected soon.
The engines from the 2026 season should be cheaper, more relevant for series production and more sustainable. For the first time, the electric motor will therefore provide roughly the same power as the combustion engine, and 100 percent sustainable fuel will also be used.
