Porsche and Audi poised for F1 entry in 2026 as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen hail 'great news'
Baku, April 9, AZERTAC
The Volkswagen Group has confirmed its plans to enter brands Porsche and Audi into Formula 1 are in the "final evaluation phase", with a potential 2026 arrival hailed as "great news" by Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, according to Sky Sports.
Porsche and Audi have long been rumoured with joining F1 and a statement from Volkswagen on Thursday confirmed that they were in negotiation over partnerships.
The famous brands are expected to join as engine suppliers rather than taking over a team completely, with the new engine rules from 2026 key to their involvement.
"The management and supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG, Porsche AG and AUDI AG have confirmed plans for a possible entry into Formula 1 by the two brands," said Volkswagen. "The Audi and Porsche brands will provide details later."
The statement added: "We have not yet made a decision as we are currently in the final evaluation phase. At this point, the new regulations for 2026 and subsequent years are not yet available.
"These will set out far-reaching changes to make the sport more sustainable, which is a prerequisite for Audi's possible entry.
Audi Sport is discussing these matters directly with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Our decision will be announced as soon it has been made."
