Formula 1 set to welcome Audi and Porsche as leading German brands look towards 2026 entry

Audi and Porsche are set to enter Formula 1 in 2026, according to Volkswagen's chief executive.

It's understood that Porsche are preparing an alliance with Red Bull.

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This could include partnering with the team's new engine division with a view to setting up a design based on new F1 regulations due in 2026. This could see the team run as Red Bull-Porsche.

As for Audi, it's suggested that they are considering entering as a team, with a buyout of an existing entrant.

Talks have already taken place with McLaren, Aston Martin, Williams and Sauber, reports.

The report adds VW chief Herbert Diess admitted that discussions at board level about entering F1 had created divisions in the group, but bosses of Audi and Porsche argued that entering F1 would bring in more money than not doing so.

Diess added that Porsche's preparations for entering Formula One were a little more concrete than Audi's.

But it's said Audi is ready to offer around €500 million (£420m) for British luxury sports car maker McLaren as a means to enter.

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Talk of an entry into F1 isn't new for the VW group, who have considered the idea for decades without committing to the decision.

Porsche Motorsport vice president Pritz Enzinger previously admitted that the company were considering an entry into the sport, with the group included in discussions over current engine rules, which took place at the start of the previous decade.

Despite opting not to take part at that point, the idea of running on fully sustainable fuels - a non-negotiable requirement for a VW group entry - has seemingly made a route into motorsport's premier category viable at last.