Porsche was initially expected to reach an agreement to join forces with Red Bull from 2026, at which point the new engine regulations will come into force.
The initial idea was for Porsche to take a 50% stake in the Milton Keynes -based structure and help with the development of the new engine that Red Bull is already working on through its power unit division.
However, as both sides have negotiated the details of working together, some hurdles have arisen in terms of what the two were willing to agree to.
From Red Bull ‘s point of view, it was questioned whether they would be willing to sacrifice the independence and responsiveness that has proven to be a fundamental pillar of their success in Formula 1 to join a large corporate entity.
Since then, the Austrians have made it clear that if Porsche wants to move forward, it will have to be by agreeing to their terms, which has put the partnership in jeopardy.
The only option that still appears to be open is for Porsche to become solely involved in the Red Bull engine department, although the German manufacturer ruled out reaching the top flight as an engine supplier from the outset.
The uncertainty now being generated by Porsche’s entry or entry means that F1’s intention to attract two new manufacturers by 2026 – with Audi already confirmed – could be thwarted.
However, category president Stefano Domenicali says there are other well-known manufacturers waiting for the right opportunity to get noticed, which have kept a lower profile for now.
Regarding Porsche ‘s situation ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Domenicali said: “I can only say that they are an integral part of the group that has discussed and is still discussing the rules of the new power units that will come into force in 2026.
“We have all read the comments about Porsche and Red Bull, but it will be up to them to decide.”
“I think we as F1 are currently a very inclusive platform. There are also other manufacturers sitting at the same table, but they prefer not to go public at the moment.
Domenicali believes that Formula 1’s 2026 regulations are highly attractive to manufacturers and that the series is robust enough to survive the ebb and flow of carmakers coming in and out in the future.
“For our part, we are not afraid,” he said. “In the last Agreement of Concord, we signed that the teams must notify at least a year in advance if they intend to leave Formula 1, in the past the rules were much stricter.”
“This change was made because we feel strong enough to go ahead anyway, and we also have very good backup plans.”
“Today we have a mix of teams, manufacturers and engine suppliers of the highest level. If something changes, we know what to do,” concluded the general director of Formula 1 .
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