Herbert Diess, CEO of VW Group, confirmed that premium brands from the Group will be entering F1.
Herbert Diess, Volkswagen Group CEO, confirmed rumors that Audi and Porsche would join Formula 1 in some capacity. This important announcement was made at a livestream called “Dialog With Diess”, which was held in German on YouTube’s official VW Group page.
Head honcho, who is not a VW representative in F1, has said that the VW name “doesn’t fit” and will therefore not be used. Porsche and Audi will instead enter the competition using their respective names. Diess stated that the 2026 rule changes are the best opportunity to enter the competition. Our sister site Motorsport.com quotes Diess stating that this was the “last opportunity” to make such an important decision for a decade.
Audi and Porsche are prioritizing top-tier racing starting in 2026, when their combustion engines will be powered by fully sustainable synthetic fuel. Top brass at VW Group stated that it takes three to five years to create an F1 engine. Therefore, a decision needed to be made quickly to ensure the engine is ready for 2026.
Why F1? Diess cited the Group’s decision to make F1 the focus of their efforts, stating that the competition is “developing extremely positively globally.” According to the 63-year old executive, exposure has increased significantly in the United States and F1 is being watched by more people from Asia.
If you take a look at major sporting events around the globe, you will see that it is Formula 1 that really counts. It’s becoming more differentiated. Formula 1 is the best motorsport event because it has the greatest impact. You can’t get into Formula 1 unless there is a technology window that opens. This means you will need to change the rules so everyone starts from the same place again.
Diess stated that it would have taken the VW Group five to 10 years to win the title if Porsche or Audi had joined in a period without major regulatory changes. The playing field will be leveled starting in 2026, when all-new engines will be available. Although both brands have begun engine development, details about how they will enter F1 are not yet available.
According to the boss of VW Group, Zuffenhausen has made greater progress in this area. According to recent reports, Porsche will work with Red Bull. Rumours had circulated about Audi buying McLaren. However, Laura Conrad, McLaren’s PR Manager, denied the report in an email sent to Motor1.com November 15, 2021.
Diess acknowledged that not all of the VW Group Board members were enthusiastic about Audi and Porsche entering F1
“The Board’s discussion was not unanimous. There are other strategic priorities. This is not just motorsport. Our cars must be technologically up-to-date. We need software capabilities and batteries to power our cars. There is enough work to be done and no need to go to Formula 1.
All members of the board voted in favor after feeling that F1 would help boost brand value for both German luxury carmakers.