Porsche seeks suitable partner for Formula 1 debut
The German brand has not written Formula 1 off since its unsuccessful partnership with Red Bull. It is keen to enter the sport with a partner who will accept its conditions, leading to an appropriate collaboration.
The famous German manufacturer is interested in the new regulation that will arrive in Formula 1 in 2026. Porsche wanted to enter the sport by partnering with Red Bull. However, the conditions requested by the brand did not satisfy the Austrian team.
Status: Seeking partners
The German manufacturer was looking for another team that would be able to collaborate to help its entry into Formula 1. The first choice was Sauber, but the Swiss team’s collaboration with Audi put an end to this possibility. However, Porsche continues its search for a partner. For its project related to the premier discipline, the German manufacturer is looking for a structure that is more in line with its needs and demands.
The fact that the cooperation with Red Bull did not materialize does not mean that Formula 1 is not interesting anyway. It is important that it be adapted. If that is not the case, then it is better not to do it at all, stated Thomas Laudenbach, the sporting director of Porsche.
The recent extension of the contract between Formula 1 and the Porsche Supercup confirms the German brand’s interest in the premier discipline of motorsport. Porsche would therefore be ready to enter Formula 1, provided they find an appropriate partner.
The Formula 1 always has a lot of appeal. That is why we have extended the contract of the Porsche Supercup, which supports Formula 1, for eight years.
What other partners can participate?
Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren are all competitors of Porsche in the production car industry. Therefore, it is unlikely that any of these manufacturers would agree to collaborate with Porsche.
Sauber is ruled out in principle as they will collaborate with Audi to become Audi Sauber in 2026. Therefore, Alpine, AlphaTauri, Haas and Williams and Aston Martin remain.
AlphaTauri, belonging to the Red Bull group, it is not unimaginable for Red Bull to decide to use AlphaTauri as a gateway for Audi. However, with the team being located in Italy, there will be many conditions to meet for Porsche to take action.
Haas and Williams are not known to be the most performing constructors currently. While Haas has independence as its principle, Williams, which has just been acquired by investment group Dorilton Capital, could potentially be up for sale in a few years. This could undoubtedly pave the way for Porsche to acquire a restructured team in search of an engine.
Alpine does not seem to want to leave F1, as Renault has stated its intention to stay in the sport.
However, according to our sources, Aston Martin has reportedly signed a new contract with an engine supplier. The British team does not have its own engine for Formula 1, nor for road cars. In fact, they use Mercedes engines. So, it could be quite conceivable that Porsche enters Formula 1 with Aston Martin, thereby signing a contract to supply engines for road cars as well.
Finally, Andretti has been trying to make a comeback in F1 for several months. If the other constructors are opposed to it due to the reduction of profits shared among the 10 teams currently, in 11, Porsche would be a valuable partner, weighing in and enabling the FIA and F1 to give their green light.
