VW's Audi & Porsche likely to enter F1 in 5 years?
Sep.29 - Formula 1 is likely to welcome one or even two Volkswagen Group manufacturers to the grid in 2026.
That is the confident prediction of Michael Schmidt, the F1 editor for the highly respected German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
It comes after the latest series of meetings between the existing teams, the sport's authorities, and representatives of Audi and Porsche as F1 writes up the new engine rules for 2026 and beyond.
Schmidt said final decisions will be made before the forthcoming Turkish GP.
"If the regulations are formulated as they have been envisioned, Audi and Porsche will be there in 2026," he said.
"The disappearance of the MGU-H was a hard condition of theirs. As soon as it goes, it is certain that both engine manufacturers will enter Formula 1."
The basic turbo V6 architecture of the power unit will remain unchanged in 2026, but the electrical power output will reportedly rise to some 350 kilowatts.
"Stefano Domenicali says things are looking good at the moment," explained Schmidt.
"The engine of the future will most likely be V6, and there are also rumours that all of the power will centre around the rear axle."
It is believed active aerodynamics are also being considered for 2026.
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Active aero makes sense!
Bigger, heavier batteries and cars does not...
Who says the cars would necessarily be heavier?
They might have a smaller fuel tank because synthetic fuels allow for as little as 75 kg per race based on Pat Symonds' words earlier this year.
"If the regulations are formulated as they have been envisioned....."
Lots of 'ifs' and 5 yrs is a long way into the future. Sounds like VW Group is saying that 'if' they can take a then current engine off the shelf and tweak it a bit then they will play.
we should know fairly soon what basic spec the new engines will have ie v6 or 4pot, and active aero, oh yes very relevant for road cars...NOT and anyway we have active aero now with the drs
So the cylinder number would remain unchanged?
I'd welcome active aero & a smaller fuel tank, though.
What's going on with the boys from Bavaria? They need get back in the F1 game and make the German battle complete. All they have to do is kick the habit and "Just Say No" to Castrol. Lol.
Are Porsche and Vw from i.e. have there hq in Bavaria?..lets start with the easy questions, see how we get on
I appear to have misjudged you Anti-jax , its been pointed out to me you may have meant BMW, if you did, then i must definitely not apologize, it wouldn't be right or proper .
No worries my six legged friend with wings. I expect no better from ya. Lol.