Porsche and the parent company Volkswagen can enter Formula 1, but any further talks with F1 president Stefano Domenicali will happen after the implementation of new rules and regulations from 2025.
The German manufacturer has a history with Formula 1. They provided power units for McLaren, which lead the F1 team to 25 victories from 1984 to 1987. Porsche also provided engines for Footworks Arrow F1 in 1991. However, got sacked by Arrows for the disastrous result because of the overweight Porsche 3512 double-V6 engine. The manufacturers never participated in the sport since then. There was a plan in 2010 for a comeback but did not happen.
Formula 1 officials are working to use carbon-neutral fuels in the supercars, to replace fossil fuels with which can harm the environment. Hence, Domenicali suggested looking for new associations with OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) to invest in the new fuel project.
“We are receiving – it seems strange from outside, but I’m very happy for that – some new requests for teams or other organizations that want to see if there is a possibility to invest in Formula 1.” said the F1 president.
Therefore, the new project pulled the attention of Porsche and their parent company, Volkswagen AG. Porsche vice-president Fritz Enzinger reported, “It would be of great interest if aspects of sustainability – for instance, the implementation of e-fuels – play a role in this.
“Should these aspects be confirmed, we will evaluate them in detail within the VW Group and discuss further steps.”
How can Porsche make their comeback?
Everyone wants to know the plans of Volkswagen to enter the sport, they might enter with their subsidiaries like Porsche and Audi. It is also in talks that whether they will enter as a full works F1 team like Mercedes or just as a power unit supplier.
VAG might prefer Porsche because of the history with Formula 1. While Audi is already successful in another category LMDh, thus they would not prefer Audi cars
McLaren using the Porsche power unit in the 1985 Formula 1.
Honda will withdraw from the sport in 2022, Red Bull will continue using the Japanese tech under their own banner. However, after the termination of the power unit, they mentioned their interest in collaborating with Porsche. Thus the German automotive brand has chances to replace Honda as a new power unit supplier.
They can also supply power units to the McLaren, who recently moved for Mercedes from Renault. Because the team principal Andreas Seidl was previously the head of Porsche Motorsport, thus he can help with a linkup after the Mercedes collaboration expires.
The last possible client for the German manufacturer is Williams Racing F1, as the team underwent some major administrative changes. The new Williams is aiming to return as a top team, thus they can go with Porsche power units.
Stefano Domenicali and OEMs share the same dream
Formula 1 is also planning to use hybrid engines in future cars since 2025. They also prefer more cost-effective power units, and thus, their primary solution is e-fuels.
Many road-car manufacturers are also favouring e-fuels as the best replacement for fossil fuels. Because of the shared goal, Domenicali is looking forward to work with OEM brands to achieve the goal of carbon-neutral power source. Domenicali said, “Electrification, full electric, is not the only way for the future [of road cars].
“So the hybridization that we want to offer in the future is the right platform on which [manufacturers] can present their product.
“Hybrid will be a diversified platform on which they can invest and promote the efficiency of their power-unit or power-train.
“Carbon neutrality is the other element at the center of our discussion – eco-fuel, organic fuel.
“The good thing is all the OEMs and [F1] teams share this view together.”
Volkswagen AG can enter F1 with Lamborghini because of the past connection with Stefano Domenicali.
There is a slight possibility for Volkswagen to participate in Formula 1 with their successful brand Lamborghini. Because Domenicali was the CEO of the supercars before becoming the F1 president.
