From motorsport circles it is said that internal conflicts at Red Bull are probably responsible for the failed deal.
(Photo: IMAGO/HochZwei)
Dusseldorf The negotiations between Porsche and the Red Bull racing team about entry into Formula 1 have failed. Both sides confirmed this on Friday morning. “The companies have jointly come to the conclusion that these talks will not be continued,” said a statement from Porsche and Red Bull.
The point of contention was the participation of Porsche in the racing team of the beverage company (“Red Bull Racing”). The Stuttgart-based vehicle manufacturer had insisted on a stake “on an equal footing” and wanted to take a direct 50 percent stake in the racing team. Red Bull, on the other hand, didn’t want that, it was said in racing circles. Porsche should only be the engine supplier for the beverage company.
Porsche is therefore no longer interested in continuing the talks. A quick entry into Formula 1 is no longer possible for the Volkswagen subsidiary for the time being. “We want to fight for the title right away,” said company circles in the morning. Red Bull would have offered this opportunity. The racing team leads the Formula 1 rankings and currently has the world champion in Max Verstappen.
In the spring, the Volkswagen Group made the decision in principle that two of the group’s brands, Audi and Porsche, could enter Formula 1 at the same time. Both subsidiaries had presented promising business plans, according to which the entry was worthwhile despite the high initial investment, Volkswagen justified the decision at the time. Audi and Porsche would probably have to pay an amount in the mid three-digit million range for this.
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Audi finalized its Formula 1 plans at the end of August. Accordingly, the partner racing team is expected to be determined by the end of the year. The Ingolstadt-based VW subsidiary wants to enter Formula 1 in 2026. Industry circles recently said that Audi would cooperate with the Sauber team. The premium manufacturer had previously negotiated unsuccessfully with a whole range of other racing teams.
Formula 1 circles: Porsche could negotiate with Mclaren
A merger between Porsche and Red Bull was long considered secure. Above all, Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz was said to be particularly interested in working with Porsche. That’s why the end of the talks comes as a surprise.
Porsche is no longer interested in continuing the talks.
(Photo: IMAGO/Arnulf Hettrich)
Motorsport circles said that internal conflicts at Red Bull were probably responsible for this. Porsche is now threatened with a fate similar to that of Audi: the search for an alternative partner begins. McLaren is currently being mentioned as a possible new partner in Formula 1 circles. The British racing team is currently battling for fourth place behind Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes in the team classification.
>> Read here: Sebastian Vettel: “Being a Formula 1 driver brings with it things that I no longer like”
Porsche plans to go public in a few weeks. With its entry into Formula 1, the Stuttgart manufacturer wanted to emphasize its independence. It had previously been confirmed in financial circles that Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz wanted to subscribe to Porsche shares.
The acquisition of Porsche papers by the Austrian multi-billionaire is not linked to Formula 1 entry. “There is no deal there,” it said in the morning in Stuttgart.
In 2026, Formula 1 will change its racing regulations. Then all racing teams will have to switch to hybrid engines. With this, the world’s most important racing class wants to demonstrate a new environmental awareness. Audi and Porsche had made it clear in advance that they would only enter Formula 1 under these new engine regulations.
More: Audi will enter the somewhat cleaner Formula 1 from 2026 – Duesmann: E-fuels will play a crucial role