Audi and Porsche: today or tomorrow

After months of waiting, the outcome of the Volkswagen saga remains uncertain. Audi and Porsche are expected to enter Formula 1, but the details have yet to be confirmed.

It would have been surprising if the arrival of two major car manufacturers in Formula 1 had not sparked a wave of enthusiasm, particularly for Audi, whose designers have long been imagining single-seaters bearing the brand's iconic four rings. The Volkswagen Group has now confirmed that two of its premium brands will join forces to launch a joint F1 program by 2026. This also gives us a clearer idea of the future V6 engines: they will be cleaner and significantly less expensive to run. However, the future remains uncertain, starting with Porsche. The Stuttgart-based car manufacturer plans to acquire a 50% stake in the Red Bull team, which will continue to benefit from Honda's support for the time being. The big question is what this will mean for Red Bull: could it become an official team supported by Porsche? The details are still being negotiated. Audi's situation is even more opaque. Negotiations with Williams appear to have stalled, with no concrete announcement having been made. Discussions with Sauber are also on hold, as if a hidden obstacle had crept into Audi's F1 ambitions. In short, we seem to know a lot without really knowing much. Will we see two new factory teams, just one, or perhaps only two new engine suppliers? These are the questions that need answers, and the pressure to get them is mounting, especially as the sport is not currently looking to expand the grid. The saga is far from over, it seems.