Porsche shelves F1 plans, but series remains 'interesting'

Porsche says it no longer plans to enter Formula 1, the German manufacturer focusing its core racing activities on sportscars and on Formula E.

Last year, Volkswagen gave its Porsche and Audi affiliates the green light to enter Formula 1. While the latter sealed a deal to partner with Sauber Motorsport from 2026, the former engaged in discussions to team up with Red Bull.

However last September, after a handshake deal had been put in place for Porsche to acquire a significant stake in Red Bull Technologies, the two parties called off their talks.

It later came to light that Red Bull was ultimately unwilling to cede its decisionary independence and flexibility as part of its joint venture with Porsche.

Since then, little information transpired about Porsche's F1 plans although the FIA, through the voice of its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stated that the manufacturer was "still in discussions" with F1 teams over an alliance.

There was speculation that Williams was of interest to Porsche, as was Andretti Global, the F1 project currently bidding for an entry into the sport.

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But Porsche has now confirmed that it has shelved its F1 plans although it is keeping an eye on the series.

"Motorsport will always be at the core of our brand identity," said a statement from the company. "Formula 1 remains an interesting racing series for us."

Regarding its commitment to the WEC and to IMSA, as well as its works involvement in Formula E, Porsche added: "There, we want to fight for overall victories. That's our tradition and our main focus."

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