A report published on Thursday in the Reuters news agency confirms the information published by Motorsport-Total.com , a partner of Motorsport.com, on February 18, where there was talk that the Volkswagen Group’s entry into Formula 1 could be decided. next week.
Actually, the Group Supervisory Board should have studied the proposals from Porsche (with Red Bull) and Audi (with McLaren), which have been prepared in recent months, on March 4. But in the midst of the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there were more important issues to discuss than motorsport, so the matter was postponed.
The very important meeting of the Supervisory Board is scheduled for April 5 and, if there is no decision, it could go to April 12 . “We hope to be in a position to communicate our intention to enter Formula 1 after that date,” the Reuters report said, citing a person who preferred to remain anonymous.
It was unclear whether the group would send just one of its brands (Porsche), or even both (Porsche and Audi) to the Big Circus. In any case, everything is prepared by Red Bull for a collaboration from 2026, and that is that Red Bull Powertrains is being created, which can be used for the new alliance, and the contract with Max Verstappen has been extended until 2028 .
This is an important signal for a possible partner of Red Bull from 2026, because if Porsche really arrives, it would be certain to have another three years of Verstappen’s contract and, therefore, with one of the best drivers in the world. Grill.
The reigning world champion, acknowledges Helmut Marko , Red Bull ‘s motorsport advisor, is “an important figure in this whole chess game and the consideration with potential manufacturers is not absurd.”
These words in an interview on the Formel1.de YouTube channel, which is exclusively available to channel members from Wednesday and will be published for all users on Friday night, are the ones that make you question the future. of the Austrian team.
In the video Marko is also asked how he would like a Red Bull Porsche with Verstappen and the number 1 in the 2026 season. His answer – with a smile from ear to ear – is evasive: “If I say ‘good’, Then you’ll go back to thinking we have some deal there!”
“Nothing has been finalized with Porsche yet,” says the 78-year-old Austrian, stressing: “Everything is open. We are having talks in all directions. I think it is logical that we are the most attractive partner for a manufacturer, a number 1 would be nice, but we’re still miles away.”
Meanwhile at Red Bull Powertrains, a division that could also be used by a potential partner from 2026, is already working on the 2026 powertrain, says Marko. Although the details of the next regulation have not been finalized, the general conditions are clear.
