Audi/McLaren-Porsche/Redbull

New regulations set by the FIA and Formula 1 are expected to acquire the attention of two potential brands in 2026.

Since the beginning of the New Year, new headlines have announced VW’s interest in being engine providers for F1 racing teams. Motorsports.com has also claimed VW’s interest to enter the motorsport.

Conversations have been spiking over the past month as Porsche and Audi have been attending every single constructer meeting to implement their own opinions for regulation's.

F1 racing team Red-bull, who is powered by the Japanese manufactor Honda until 2026. Appears to have strong communication with Porsche. According to Motorsports.com, Porsche and Red-Bull have confirm they are interested to work with each other. A potential role for the German manufacturer would step into Hondas place post there exist. The initial ending of the contract between Redbull and Honda was set for 2021. After Max Verstappens victories championship win. The exist strategy was scraped and a contract was renewed.

In four years major changes are expected. Along with new regulations set by the FIA. The new engine regulations would mean F1 is getting rid of powertrain components. This would be significant for teams to reconsider current partnerships.

A final announcement for Red-bull is expected in March of 2022 by Red-bull’s Helmut Marko.

Another team in the padlock has been conversing with VW’s Audi. McLaren is currently supplied by Mercedes-Benz. Not much has been reported over the McLaren and Audi collaboration. However, negotiations are being kept behind close doors with McLaren and Williams.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren racing has expressed an overwhelm interest and ability to wait for a final decision.

The Porsche and RedBull duo seems like a natural pairing. These new partnerships seem promising both McLaren, Red-bull, and for the future of Formula 1. Many fans seem to be displeased with the occurring events.
VW is well known for its investments in electric vehicles and its disinterest in combustion engines motorsports. Their deals would contradict those promises.

When BMW tried to enter F1 with Williams and Sauber it ended with a financial crisis. It may be helpful for VW to study the BMW cases before completing any agreements.

Is VW only trying to buy headlines and promotions for their brands? Have the deals already been sign?