For several months, the announcement of the association between Red Bull et Porsche for the 2026 season, when the new engine regulations come into effect. It was understood that Porsche would buy 50% of the Austrian team’s shares and participate in the development of the brand new engine that Red Bull Powertrains is already working on. However, as the two sides concluded contract detailsthe car froze to the point that all possibility of an agreement vanishes.
We asked Milton Keynes in particular if it were necessary to sacrifice independence and reactivity, which have been the pillars of the success of the premier class of Red Bull, to collaborate with a major manufacturer. Therefore the team demanded that its partnership with Porsche take place on its terms, i.e. without shareholding. And the negotiations failed, reaching a point of no return.
F1 hoped to attract two new manufacturers by 2026, Audi has already made its announcement, but the vagueness surrounding Porsche’s arrival undermines this dream. However, Stefano Domenicali reveals that other automakers are deliberately keeping a low profile while waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.
“I can only say that Porsche is an integral part of the group that has discussed and continues to discuss the engine rules that will come into effect in 2026”says the F1 CEO regarding Porsche’s current situation. “We have all read the comments from Porsche and Red Bull and they will decide what to do. But I think we, F1, are currently a very inclusive platform. There are also other manufacturers sitting at the engineering table who prefer not to show up in broad daylight.”
Furthermore, Domenicali believes that the 2026 engine regulation is very tempting and that the championship is strong enough to survive the constant comings and goings of car manufacturers.
“For our part, we are not afraid”he says. “In the last Concorde Agreements, we only asked for one year’s notice for teams or manufacturers wishing to leave Formula 1. In the past, the rules were much stricter.
“This change was made because we feel strong and robust enough to move forward anyway, and because there are really good plans B. Never in the past have we had a mix of top-notch teams, manufacturers and engine suppliers. If anything changes , we know what to do “.
Interview by Roberto Chinchero
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