[Rumours] Porsche & Volkswagen Group considering entering F1

[crmalcolm]

It is now being reported that a deal between Porsche and Williams is 'almost done'

This comes off the back of a statement from the FIA a few days ago that - "Porsche are still in discussions with Formula 1 teams"

Mohammed Ben Sulayem: "At Spa-Francorchamps in August, Audi announced it was joining the FIA Formula 1 World Championship from 2026 as a power unit manufacturer. This announcement was an endorsement of the hard work by all stakeholders to develop those regulations. We also note that Porsche are still in discussions with Formula 1 teams."

Jack Plooij is now reporting that [translated]: "Porsche is talking to Williams. 50 per cent owner and supplier of engines from 2026. Almost done that deal,"

[S griffin]

Still not gonna believe anything till it's actually done. Seen this too many times

[V8 Fireworks]

Originally Posted by Casper

He just about admits they need an OEM as a partner though he says they don't, spin away Christian. He also admits the project has passed the point of no return and has to continue. The whole article is full of double speak but Marko reckons that the OEM starters are already on the phone and lining up for the job.

To sum up RBPT needs more technical help but does not need an OEM though they are lining up at the gate and banging on the front door.

Huh?

It is likely that Honda will remain a technical partner for Red Bull Powertrains doing the hybrid system (combined with the Red Bull combustion engine from 2026), and maybe as a sponsor too.

[peebee2]

Originally Posted by V8 Fireworks

Huh?

It is likely that Honda will remain a technical partner for Red Bull Powertrains doing the hybrid system (combined with the Red Bull combustion engine from 2026), and maybe as a sponsor too.

He wrote that before Honda renewed.

[E.B]

Something going down in Audi land today.... Big announcement due 26 October 10am CET
https://twitter.com/AudiOfficial/sta...22772110823426

[GTRMagic]

Originally Posted by E.B

Something going down in Audi land today.... Big announcement due 26 October 10am CET
https://twitter.com/AudiOfficial/sta...22772110823426

Audi To Sauber

[gert]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Jack Plooij is now reporting ... [/I]

Maybe this is a sily question, but ... who is Jack Plooij?

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by gert

Maybe this is a sily question, but ... who is Jack Plooij?

A reporter for Ziggo Sport Totaal.

Coincidentally, in terms of F1:

Ziggo Sport Totaal is owned by VodafoneZiggo, a joint venture between Liberty Global and Vodafone. Liberty Global in turn was formed in 2005 by the merger of the international arm of Liberty Media and UnitedGlobalCom.

[Greem]

Alan McNish will replace Vasseur as Team Principal in 2025. This is really, really good news - he's a proper steady pair of hands.

[chillibowl]

so, sad to see the Alfa sponsorship coming to an end but happy the Sauber name will again feature prominantly...at least until Audi comes in but it doesnt sound like it will be full Audi ownership/branding as they will just be a works partner?

i hope not anyways as that promotional full Audi livery looks pretty bad imo.

of course super happy to see Audi in though and hopefully leads to a more competitive better funded team...some uncertainty though given Sauber's last go around with a manu takeover and with the economic uncertainties on the horizon pegs 2026 as a long way off.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Greem

Alan McNish will replace Vasseur as Team Principal in 2025. This is really, really good news - he's a proper steady pair of hands.

Not doubting your word in any way Greem but do you have a link to that story. Couldnt find anything on google.

[peebee2]

He’s certainly far, far less experienced than Vasseur.

[Tourer]

Originally Posted by peebee2

He’s certainly far, far less experienced than Vasseur.

With far, far less success than Vasseur when it comes to running a team.

I rather suspect that Greem is wistfully hoping that there was a tongue in cheek emoji that he could have used with his post.

[peebee2]

Originally Posted by Tourer

With far, far less success than Vasseur when it comes to running a team.

I thought that too. Would be madness in fact, certainly for day one.

[crmalcolm]

Allan McNish was talking at Al Festival dello Sport di Trento (in his role as director of coordination of Audi motorsport activities, where Audi was the main partner):

"Formula 1 has never been as popular as it is now. We also need to work on our infrastructure, because we still need several things to develop the car"

[Adam43]

Free to air discussion moved to here: F1 tv viewing set to plummet further so that can be discussed more.

[Greem]

Originally Posted by E.B

Not doubting your word in any way Greem but do you have a link to that story. Couldnt find anything on google.

I *did* have at the time, but it's gone bye-bye now. I suspect I was being played!

Ah well.

[Richard C]

Originally Posted by Greem

I *did* have at the time, but it's gone bye-bye now. I suspect I was being played!

Ah well.

I was able to find something on Google! This thread! Seriously, I can find articles that call out that McNish was the team principal for the Audi Formula E team and then he goes onto comment about the Audi/Sauber deal for F1.

McNish seems to have the title of "Director of Motorsport Coordination" at Audi. And he seems to be one of the people Audi is putting forward for interviews regarding F1. So who knows. Maybe it's premature to be calling out organizational changes at Sauber. Especially as the current season is not yet over. Maybe something was said early and then pulled back.

Richard

[Greem]

Well well well. Vasseur is leaving, to take up the big chair at Ferrari.

https://www.gazzetta.it/Formula-1/15...fa-romeo.shtml