Volkswagen Group in final 'evaluation phase' of F1 plans

A meeting of the Volkswagen Group's Supervisory Board on Thursday has confirmed the potential commitment to Formula 1 of its Audi and Porsche affiliates.

Formula 1's push for sustainability, in a bid to boost its relevance as the automotive industry undergoes a paradigm shift towards electrification, has led the sport's stakeholders to produce a 2026 engine regulation platform centered around 100 per cent sustainable fuels and increased electric power.

That blueprint undeniably appeals to Volkswagen which has earmarked its Audi and Porsche brands as the logical engineering and marketing vehicles for the Group's involvement in F1.

In the wake of Thursday's meeting, a short statement was released in which it was suggested that a green light for Audi and Porsche to enter Grand Prix racing would follow after F1's announcement of its 2026 engine regulations.

• Read also: Audi/Porsche interest in F1 due to sport's sustainability push - Brawn

"This gives our company the opportunity to demonstrate "Vorsprung durch Technik" in the pinnacle of motorsport from 2026," read a statement released by Audi after Thursday's meeting.

"We have not yet made a decision as we are currently in the final evaluation phase. At this point, the new regulations for 2026 and subsequent years are not yet available.

"These will set out far-reaching changes to make the sport more sustainable, which is a prerequisite for Audi’s possible entry.

"Audi Sport is discussing these matters directly with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Our decision will be announced as soon it has been made."

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It is believed that Audi is seeking to field its own team through the acquisition of an existing F1 outfit, but a partnership could also be in the works.

Rumors have been circulating for months that Audi has been in talks with McLaren over taking a majority stake in the Woking-based outfit.

However, the German manufacturer is reportedly also considering other less onerous investment options, such as Sauber/Alfa Romeo and Aston Martin F1.

As for Porsche, the Stuttgart firm looks set to hookup with Red Bull Racing based on an engine supply deal with Milton Keynes-based team.

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