Image: Camille De Bastiani
In addition to rumours of a return to Kyalami, Porsche was gearing up to join Red Bul Racing by 2026. The F1 partnership will be no more as neither party were able to come to a mutual agreement.
Image: Camille De Bastiani
Earlier on in the year, former Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess confirmed Porsche and Audi would enter F1 from 2026, when the new regulations come into place. Rumours emanated that Red Bull was preparing to partner with Porsche but it has now been confirmed that the two brands have ceased their negotiations in their endeavours for an F1 partnership.
Porsche wanted to broker the deal with a 50/50 partnership however Red Bull was not prepared to accommodate this. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner stated it wasn’t in their best interest: “The team is the biggest marketing asset globally for Red Bull – why would we compromise that strategically for the long term? We’re on a really exciting trajectory that isn’t dependent on outside involvement or investment if there’s strategically the right partner.”
From 2026, the new Formula will only accommodate purely synthetic fuels, something which Porsche has already had their hand at mastering and expertise which should put them in good stead with other teams looking to partner up down the grid. “With the finalized rule changes, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored.”
While the Stuttgart manufacturer continues to foster a viable partner in the sport, their subsidiary Audi seems to be a few steps ahead after reportedly acquiring 75% of Sauber, which means that the teams partnership with Alfa Romeo will come to an end by, as early as, the end of the year.
Keyword: Porsche – Red Bull part ways in failed F1 partnership