- Porsche had previously planned F1 entry in 2026
- Deadline for 2026 engine registrations is 15th October
- Sauber set to have Audi title sponsorship from 2024
German carmaker Porsche is set to abandon its plans to enter Formula One in 2026, according to German news outlet Radio Television Luxembourg (RTL).
As reported last month, Porsche’s planned entry into the global motorsport series fell through following a change of position from Red Bull Racing.
At the time of the announcement, Porsche released a statement outlining that ‘the premise was always that a partnership would be based on an equal footing, which would include not only an engine partnership but also the team. This could not be achieved.’
Therefore, it is likely that not being able to find a similar level of control with a different team has led to Porsche’s decision to abandon its entry plans entirely. The German marque was also unlikely to find a team of similar competitiveness to Red Bull.
RTL reports that ‘a partner other than Red Bull was no longer a serious option’ as ‘Porsche wanted to fight for victories in the premier class of motorsport’.
The date for manufacturers to put forward registration plans for the 2026 engine regulations is 15th October, at which point Porsche’s final decision will likely be revealed.
One manufacturer whose name will be involved in these regulations is Audi, which is expected to partner with Sauber from 2026.
With Alfa Romeo stepping away from the Swiss team at the end of the 2023 season, RTL reports that the Volkswagen-owned brand will feature on the car from the start of 2024 in preparation for its full engine entry.