Porsche: 'No secret we are seriously considering F1'

Porsche vice-president of motorsport, Thomas Laudenbach, says Formula 1 is heading into "the right direction" regarding its future engine rules which has led the German manufacturer to "seriously consider" entering the sport as a supplier.

From the outset, Formula 1's discussions over the specifications of its next generation power unit that is expected to be introduced in 2025 or 2026 garnered the interest of both Porsche and its cousin Volkswagen Group company Audi.

Both manufacturers were offered a seat at the table when discussions kicked off last year between F1, the teams, the sport's current engine suppliers and the FIA.

So far, Porsche likes what it is hearing from F1 regarding Grand Prix racing's future engine platform which is expected to be less sophisticated and costly that the sport's current PU while still heavily relying on a hybrid component.

"It’s not a secret that we are thinking about [F1]," Laudenbach said, quoted by Autosport.

"It’s not a secret we are talking to the FIA and it’s not a secret that we are, let’s say, seriously considering it. But there is no decision made yet.

"From what I know, a lot of things are going in the right direction concerning Formula 1.

"If you look into the future and you look at what car manufacturers are announcing concerning the share of electric vehicles they want to sell in the future, I think it is very important that Formula 1 does a shift towards electrification," he added.

"Yes, it is clear you can't do such a format with a [fully] battery electric vehicle. We all know that.

"But there needs to be a much higher priority on the electric part of the powertrain. That is important. As an OEM, you want to show yourself in motorsport, it needs to be relevant to what happens on the road.

"From what I know now, the FIA made a huge step towards that direction. That's going to help."

• Read also: F1 likely to drop MGU-H element from future engine regs

However, Laudenbach made clear that if a new engine is to be introduced in 2025, a firm decision needs to be signed and sealed very soon.

"One thing is clear, if such a decision is made you can’t wait too long because if you want to race in 2025 you have to start at a certain time. That’s where we are," he explained.

"If somebody really thinks about entering this championship as a power unit manufacturer, you should always combine that with a major change in the rules so that everybody has to make step and you’re not the only one.

"It is also not a secret that if you look at PR values and fanbase and advertising value, Formula 1 is extremely good compared to other series. There is no question about it."

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