After months of speculation, the result is finally here: Porsche has officially announced that it will not return to F1. Earlier this year, the company was in talks with Red Bull to build engines, but ultimately ended up partnering with Ford. Since this failed attempt, Porsche has still had its sights set on F1. But F1 is now a thing of the past.
Failed partnership
Nearly two years ago, Porsche and Red Bull began exploring a possible partnership for the 2026 F1 season, which would have allowed the team to start developing its own engines in time for the new regulations to arrive. The partnership was meant to be beneficial for both parties, as Porsche would take a 50% stake in the racing team and Red Bull would not be penalized for waiting for an engine upgrade.
But despite talks underway, no deal was reached, Red Bull then reversed course and agreed to build its own engines in collaboration with Ford, while Porsche’s supposed return to F1 was dashed and the team appeared to be continuing its efforts, but that’s it.
Porsche Motorsport vice president Thomas Laudenbach confirmed that the company has no interest in returning to F1. “It’s out of the question. For the moment, F1 is not our job, and we’re not going to put any energy into it,” he explained to Autosport magazine. “We’re just focused on what we’re doing now. If you look closely, we have a lot of different activities. We’re very busy and very happy with what we’re doing.”
Porsche has already achieved success in other areas.
While Porsche’s F1 ambitions have been shelved for now, the company remains focused on its other motorsport programs. The company has certainly been very successful in this field and has been at the forefront of numerous technological innovations, especially when it comes to electrification, with a factory dedicated to its participation in Formula E. Progress in this field has allowed the company to win Champions’ medals on multiple occasions, such as former F1 driver Pascal Wehrlein, who just won the 2024 championship three weeks ago. Porsche customer team Andretti, which runs engines from the German manufacturer, has also enjoyed success.
In an interview with Autosport, Thomas Laudenbach spoke about his satisfaction with Porsche’s current motorsport activities: “We are involved in everything from customer racing, GT4 and one-make series to professional GT racing. [in GT3]”In addition to that, we compete in the two most important endurance series. [WEC and IMSA] “We’re working with our partner Penske. And thirdly, the electrification of our brand is really important, so our commitment to Formula E, which is the only fully electric high-level series. I think we’re really well positioned,” he concluded.
Progressing in other areas of the team is Porsche’s top priority for now, and while the company may have an interest in F1 again in the next few years, it is certain not to enter the championship in 2026.