Porsche calls off F1 Program

In the latest Issue of AUTO ACTION, our international Formula 1 correspondent Luis Vasconcelos reports on Porsche reportedly pulling the plug on its 2026 F1 program.

Our man on the ground for all things F1 also looks at the proposal for a double qualifying session in Baku, Ferrari’s aero plan to get back to the front of the field, the latest in McLarens push to improve its team structure, and more…

Porsche is believed to have shut down its prospective Formula One program, according to British sources, after failing to find a suitable partner to share the design and development of what would be its 2026 Power Unit.

Having been so close to signing a long-term partnership with Red Bull until July of 2022, the German manufacturer was caught unaware when the management of the Austrian team decided against such a move.

The latest issue of AUTO ACTION has all the ash-up from the AGP from out man on the ground, Luis Vasconcelos, as well as all the latest F1 news

It opted instead to go solo, eventually finding a commercial deal with Ford, the American car manufacturer branding the future Power Units from Red Bull Powertrains but having no involvement on the technical or sporting side of the operation.

Having then approached McLaren and Williams, to try and keep its Formula One dream alive, Porsche was never close to agreeing terms with any of them and also realised neither of the two historic British teams had the technology to help them with the design and development of the hybrid parts of the Power Unit.

Nevertheless, it is believed that until a couple of weeks ago a relatively small group of engineers were still working on the design and development of a V6 Internal Combustion Engine complying with the 2026 Technical Regulations.

Now that group has been redirected to other categories of motor sport, after Porsche’s board of directors canned the Formula One program due to lack of a credible partner.

There Porsche’s plan to enter Formula One was always based on controlling whatever team they would be partners with, but without going for the massive investment Audi made to eventually acquire 75 percent of Sauber, which will be the case by the end of 2025.

What Porsche wanted was to have 51 percent control of its partner team, but with the minority shareholder also putting money into the company, something both the Muntalakat Group, that currently owns McLaren, and Dorilton Capital, William’s owner, refused to accept.

Although no official confirmation has been given by Porsche, the fact there are no top teams available to partner it, matched with the company’s previous statements, makes it credible the program has been discontinued.

In AUTO ACTION’s next issue, we also welcome Oscar Piastri back to our team of writers as a regular columnist. Click this link to see out free poster giveaway that features Australia’s latest F1 driver.

For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.

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