Audi confirms: Volkswagen Group confirms Formula 1 plans

Earlier on Thursday the news trickled through that Volkswagen Group would have given permission to Audi and Porsche to join Formula 1. Audi itself has now finally confirmed that it intends to compete in the premier class of motor racing from 2026.

The statement released reads, "The management and supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG, Porsche AG and AUDI AG have confirmed plans for a possible entry into Formula 1 by the two brands. The Audi and Porsche brands will provide details later."

Porsche is reportedly expected to partner with Red Bull starting in 2026, while from Audi it is not yet entirely clear which team they will partner with. Sauber/Alfa Romeo is now said to be the strongest contender because Audi and McLaren cannot work it out.

Formal confirmation does not follow

The Volkswagen Group continued: "This gives our company the opportunity to demonstrate the motto 'Vorsprung durch Technik' in the pinnacle of motorsport from 2026. We have not yet made a formal decision, as we are currently in the final evaluation phase. At the moment, the new regulations for 2026 and beyond are not yet available."

"It will bring about profound changes to make the sport more sustainable, which is a prerequisite for Audi's possible entry. Audi Sport is in direct discussion with the International Automobile Federation (FIA ) on this matter. Our decision will be announced as soon as it is made." So we will have to be patient for a while before everything is finally in place.