Over the last twenty four hours, reports have surfaced on line that seem to suggest that Porsche are intending to buy a 50% stake in RedBull Racing, in anticipation of their entry into Formula 1 in 2026.
WHAT IS IN THE RUMOUR?
It has not been a secret that both Porsche and Audi (part of the VW group) are looking to enter into Formula 1, with discussions around what form this would take being ever present around the F1 world, with everything from a works partnership to an out and out takeover (McLaren/Audi) being mentioned and/or denied, however one name that seems to have been ever present in these discussions have been Redbull. The Milton Keynes based squad, who recently setup their Power Unit manufacturing arm with Redbull Powertrains have been linked with Porsche almost from the outset.
WHAT HAS CHANGED
As you can probably imagine, creating a partnership between companies as large as Redbull Racing and Porsche is a complex undertaking. One part of this is complying with Anti-Cartel Authorities around the world, this is ensuring that nothing untoward is happening with the joining of the two companies. Outwith the EU, there are around 20 other countries that require this process to be completed, One of the countries is Morocco, who requires all applications to be subject to mandatory publication once approved. This has forced Redbull and Porsche to reveal details of the partnership.
The details, which have been published in Morocco by the Conseil de la Concurrence, reveals that Porsche notified them on 8th July, setting out a 10 – Year partnership with Redbull, with a 50 percent stake in the Formula 1 operation. The document also suggests a formal announcement to be made on 4th August.
Although the document only mentions a partnership with Redbull Technologies, it is likely to extend to the Formula 1 team as well.
The document does not mention Redbull’s sister team, Alpha Tauri, however it would be safe to assume that the team would be powered by Porsche, with 100 percent of ownership staying with Redbull.
DELAYED ANNOUNCMENT
The strange way that the partnership has been confirmed has been in part due to Porsche delaying the green light on the Formula 1 project. The delay has been due to the World Motorsport Council not signing off on the new engine regulations, which are a prerequisite for Porsche’s entry into Formula 1.
WHERE DOES AUDI STAND?
Audi, another VW Group brand, has also made its intentions clear about entering Formula 1, with the brand in negotiations to acquire a 75 percent stake in Sauber, the investment is rumoured to be competed in stages, with a majority stake completed by 2026.
With Volkswagen Group’s Supervisory Board already green lighting both brands entries and confirming budgets for both projects as far back as April, it is a matter of when and not if for confirmation of Audi and Porsche entering Formula 1.