After the Volkswagen Group ‘s approval of Porsche’s entry into Formula 1, the German manufacturer held talks with Red Bull for a possible association from 2026.
But the uncertainty of the Austrian team regarding pressure from Porsche to take a 50% stake in the team has caused the negotiations to come to an end.
Porsche confirmed this Friday, September 9, before the Italian Grand Prix, that the negotiations had ended and that no association with the energy drinks team would take place.
“Over the course of the last few months, Dr. Ing. hc F. Porsche AG and Red Bull GmbH have held discussions about the possibility of Porsche’s arrival in Formula 1,” the statement said.
“The two companies have now jointly concluded that these talks will not continue.”
“The main premise was always that the association would be based on equality, which would include not only an engine association, but also the team, but that has not been achieved.”
“With the confirmed regulation changes, Formula 1 remains, however, an attractive environment for Porsche , which will continue to monitor its possibilities,” the statement concludes.
Porsche and its sister brand of the VW Group, Audi, had planned to land in F1 in 2026 together with the next generation of engines that will focus on sustainable fuels.
Those with the four rings always recognized that their goal was to enter solely as a manufacturer of power units, and their addition to the grid was confirmed at the last Belgian Grand Prix at the end of last month.
But Porsche ‘s plan was always to buy a 50% stake in a team like Red Bull , something that would have finally brought the talks to an end.
Both companies hoped to reach an agreement and announce it at the Austrian Grand Prix in mid-July, but the negotiations took longer than expected.
Austrian team principal Christian Horner said in recent weeks that maintaining its independence and responsiveness was key, and that Red Bull Powertrains’ 2026 program was progressing regardless of any potential incoming partners.
“Our team is Red Bull’s biggest global marketing asset. Why now should we commit to that strategically for the long term?” Horner said last Sunday.
“For 2026, we are totally committed. We have signed some of the best talent in Formula 1 to Red Bull Powertrains , built a factory from scratch in 55 weeks and built our first prototype engine for 2026, which we were able to run already. before the summer holidays”.
“We are in a really exciting moment that does not depend on external intervention or investment if the right partner arrives strategically,” he concluded.
With Audi set to link up with Sauber from 2026, it is unclear what options would now be available to Porsche for 2026 should its F1 interest continue over the next few months.
F1 managing director Stefano Domenicali revealed earlier this week that other manufacturers were waiting to join the grid if Porsche’s plans failed.
