History of Porsche's entry into F1 and decision to abandon it

Porsche has been exploring the possibility of entering F1 for many years.

In 2022, in particular, negotiations for a partnership with Red Bull Racing progressed, and even a large-scale plan to acquire 50% shares in Red Bull's F1 team and power unit division emerged. However, negotiations between the two companies broke down in September 2022. Red Bull representative Christian Horner cited "disagreements in the direction of the two brands" as the reason.

Subsequently, Red Bull announced a partnership with Ford starting with the 2026 season. Meanwhile, Audi, also a member of the VW Group, has decided to become an F1 engine supplier and is in the process of acquiring Sauber.

And now, Thomas Laudenbach, Porsche's Vice President of Motorsports.My ambition to enter F1 is over."This is the first official statement of F1 policy by Porsche since the official announcement of the new F1 regulations in 2026. This is the first official statement of F1 policy by Porsche since the official announcement of the new F1 regulations for 2026.

Laudenbach asserted that "F1 is a closed chapter for us," and is no longerF1 is not in Porsche's range.The company clarified that

Clear stance shown by Porsche

Mr. Laudenbach is a member of theFormula One is not on our agenda right now, and we will not be putting our energy into it."He reiterated Porsche's decision not to participate in F1. He described Porsche's current motorsports activities as "a near-perfect fit for the brand" and said the company would focus on its existing motorsports program rather than F1.

For Porsche, competing in F1 is no longer a priority, and they are quite content with their current portfolio. With this decision, the possibility of a return to F1 for the first time since supplying engines to Footwork more than 30 years ago is no longer a possibility for the time being.

Porsche's current motorsports strategy

Mr. Laudenbach elaborated on Porsche's current focus on motorsports activities. According to him, Porsche is involved in a wide range of activities in the following areas

1. customer racing: from track days to GT4, one-make races and professional GT racing (GT3)
2. endurance racing: 963 LMDh in partnership with Penske in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA Sports Car Championship
3. Formula E: the only fully electric high-level series to be entered as part of the brand's electrification strategy

Laudenbach emphasized that there is no need to pursue F1 participation, saying, "We are busy enough with our current activities and are very satisfied.

Impact of Porsche F1 Non-Competition and Future Prospects

Porsche's decision not to participate in F1 will have no small impact on the world of motorsports. The decision not to allow the traditional brand to enter the sport may change the competitive environment and the direction of technological development in F1.

On the other hand, Porsche is likely to achieve more in the areas of GT racing, endurance racing, and electric race cars by further focusing on its existing programs. In particular, its participation in Formula E is closely tied to Porsche's electrification strategy and is expected to continue to play an important role.

Now that Porsche has closed the door on F1 participation, motorsports fans will be focused on what the company can achieve and innovate in other racing series. Porsche's decision could also be an opportunity to reaffirm the value of motorsports outside of F1.

Finally, it will be interesting to see how Porsche's decision not to participate in F1 will affect other automakers' consideration of entering F1, as F1 is always looking for new entrants, and Porsche's decision could be a factor in other companies' decisions. We will have to wait and see how F1 develops in the future and how the motorsports strategy of the automotive industry as a whole develops.