VW eyes German drivers for 2026 F1 projects
May 5 - Volkswagen will try to reignite Germany's love affair with Formula 1.
Far from Michael Schumacher heyday, Germany has slipped out of F1 prominence in recent years and no longer even has a grand prix.
Having confirmed this week that the VW board has approved separate F1 projects for 2026 for both Porsche and Audi, Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess says he also wants a revival for Hockenheim or the Nurburgring.
"I know of plans that we will have another grand prix in Germany, which should then stimulate Formula 1 in Germany again," he told the Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.
Both former German GP venues insist that their absence is purely an economic issue, as F1 shifts focus towards big new markets in the US, Asia and the Middle East.
"You have to accept that this is also a business," VW CEO Diess continued, "and who brings how much is what counts.
"But I believe that we can already succeed in Germany in terms of organising a Formula 1 race along these lines."
What VW, Porsche and Audi may be able to control, however, is whether their Formula 1 projects will prioritise putting German drivers at the wheel.
"I'm assuming that we will certainly try to employ German drivers in our two teams," Diess confirmed.
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RB decides their drivers, so tough luck unless a complete buyout happens, i.e., Porsche becomes a full team entity rather than only a PU supplier.
German GP return is easier said than done.
The Middle East is in Asia, so I suppose, more specifically, China.
Oh I don't know a Free supply of works engines... is a tempting offer+the marketing...its the Schumi effect
Ralf S is available. And smart.
Well, he does talk aalor, but is quite old.
Hockenheim should be a requirement for VW group to get into F1.
German drivers? We have Vettel... just get him a real car please.
Vettel, he had a Ferrari not so long ago and look how that ended up
Yes, but that Ferrari was quit the "Terd" (as ROR would say)
Not in every season, maybe the season when leclerc got 3 times as many ponts as Vettel, the season after Leclerc beat Vettel in his Ferrari rookie season
Tongue was firmly in cheek re Ralf
"You have to accept that this is also a business," VW CEO Diess continued, "and who brings how much is what counts.
This is the most relevant comment in the article. As for a German GP, MB dominated the sport for 7 years , Vettel was still relevant, and they couldn't organize the $$$. VW is going to change that?
Apparently quarantined Chinese "fans" count more now...
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