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- Porsche reportedly poised to partner with Red Bull from 2026
- Audi linked with deal for Sauber’s Alfa Romeo team
- Pair’s F1 entries dependent on series fully defining engine regulations
Official confirmation that Audi and Porsche will enter Formula One in 2026 has been pushed back due to delays in finalising the series’ new engine regulations, according to Auto Motor und Sport.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) World Motorsport Council had reportedly been due to approve the regulations on 29th June, but this has now been pushed back to July
Audi and Porsche’s 2026 entry into Formula One was revealed by Herbert Diess, chief executive of parent company Volkswagen, last month. However, that remains dependent on the sport fully defining the engine regulations.
As for exactly how Audi and Porsche would join Formula One, the latter has reportedly been in advanced talks with Red Bull Racing about a potential partnership. Audi, meanwhile, could come in as its own factory team and buy an existing entrant. Sauber Motorsport, which owns the Alfa Romeo Formula One team, is reportedly an option. According to F1-Gate.com, Audi already has a 25 per cent stake in Sauber and is looking to secure a further 50 per cent shareholding.
Auto Motor und Sport reports that Porsche had wanted to announce its partnership with Red Bull at next month’s Austrian Grand Prix.
When Formula One’s new engine regulations are officially revealed, Porsche and Audi will reportedly have 15 days to make a binding commitment to the 2026 season. The pair could formally announce their entry before the series’ summer break in August.
Meanwhile, Japanese manufacturer Honda is considering a full return to Formula One in 2026, according to Auto Motor und Sport.
Honda exited the series after the 2021 season, though Red Bull and sister team Alpha Tauri continue to use its power units. Several Honda staff also work on the Red Bull Powertrains project.
In January, Honda’s managing director of motorsport Masashi Yamamoto told Formula1.com “I hope and expect Honda will come back to Formula One”.
Honda could reportedly team up with Alpha Tauri or even take over the team. Auto Motor und Sport adds that an unnamed car company has also expressed interest in entering Formula One.