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What are Porsche's greatest successes in motor racing?

What are Porsche's greatest successes in motor racing?

10-08-2022 10:40
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GPblog.com

It is now almost certain that Porsche will return to Formula 1 in 2026. The car brand has already experienced several major successes in motor racing in recent decades and hopes to add new chapters in the years to come. GPblog has already listed a number of splendid triumphs.

Mid-1980s in Formula 1

Historically speaking, Porsche is no stranger to Formula 1. The make had already featured in the motorsport class between 1958 and 1964, as well as between 1983 and 1986 and in 1991. The 1984 and 1985 seasons were undoubtedly the most successful in Porsche's history.

In both race years, Porsche managed to win the constructors' title in cooperation with the McLaren team under the name of Techniques d'Avant Garde (TAG). Niki Lauda took the world title in 1984 with 72 points, just half a point ahead of teammate Alain Prost. The following year, Prost won the world championship and took his first world title.

24 Hours of Le Mans success in the 70s

Porsche does not only have a history in Formula 1 however, it also made a name for itself in various other motorsport categories. Its greatest success was undoubtedly in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Porsche is still the record holder with eighteen victories.

The brand's first victory came with the Porsche 917 in 1970, after which a very successful decade began. Porsche's cars continued to dominate the sport in the 1970s, with a string of victories to their name. It was a prelude to a successful future.

Late 60s in Monte Carlo Rally

Porsche had already proved itself in the field of rallies. At the end of the 1960s, it dominated the Monte Carlo Rally. No less than three seasons in a row, it managed to take a double victory, thereby keeping the competition behind it.

Vic Elford and Pauli Toivonen first managed a double victory for Porsche in 1968, followed by Björn Waldegard and Garard Larrousse a year later. In 1970, the latter duo also managed to finish on the podium together. It only strengthened Porsche's name in motor racing.

Hope for new successes in F1

Partly due to Formula 1's decision to amend the engine regulations, Porsche intends to get involved in Formula 1 again for the first time in over thirty years. While it has enjoyed great success in the sport, it now also knows the other side of the coin.

With the possible cooperation with Red Bull Racing, however, it seems to be opting for security. The Austrian racing team showed in 2021 that it has a healthy dose of fighting spirit, while this season it is dominating the rankings.

Moreover, with Max Verstappen, Red Bull has a driver in house until 2028 who is likely to take the sport to the next level in the years to come. All the ingredients are there to make the team a success. Porsche is therefore stepping onto an excellent moving train, although it does need to manage to stay on course.