After months of speculations, VW Group has finally confirmed the rumours that Audi and Porsche will be joining Formula One championship. The news comes directly from the horse’s mouth after Dr Herbert Diess, CEO of the VW Group confirmed their participation. 

According to Reuters, Diess also shed some light on the extent of preparations the two brands are currently making to enter motorsport. Diess said Porsche’s involvement was “a little more concrete” than Audi’s, adding that the brand is looking to establish a long-term relationship with Red Bull. 

This doesn’t come as a surprise as F1 is soon transitioning to synthetic fuels, a sector in which Porsche has heavily invested. On the other hand, Audi is trying out a different route, with reports of them offering €500 million to buy McLaren. 

As to why the two German brands are interested in entering the expensive motorsports, you just have to look at the rise in popularity F1 has seen over the past few years. This can be partly contributed to the Liberty Media take over and the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series. 

Diess also added that we may have to wait till 2026 before we see either Audi or Porsche in the paddock, to take advantage of the regulation changes. That said, we’ll keep updating you about the whole situation, so stay tuned!