Porsche has allegedly been looking for a way back onto the Formula One grid for a few years now, and it would seem that the right deal has finally come their way. According to a report from Racer.com, the Stuttgart sports car concern has purchased half of the Red Bull Technologies company in order to enter Formula One in 2026 as a constructor partner of the team.
As we have reported in the past, the Volkswagen Group has been looking for a way to get into F1 when the new power unit regulations come into effect. It has been made clear that both Porsche and Audi have been given the green light to pursue entries into the sport. While we don’t yet know how Audi plans to get on the grid [though a buyout of McLaren has been floated], it seems Porsche’s deal is done. The crested brand has been rumored to be in bed with the fizzy drinks manufacturer for several months, so it’s good to finally hear some details.
There hasn’t yet been an official confirmation from either company, but documents were submitted to antitrust authorities, and the publication of those documents has been submitted to the public for review. According to the disclosure, Porsche has agreed to buy half of Red Bull Technology, and the official announcement will happen on August 4th. Porsche is expected to be the engine supplier for the Red Bull outfit, and the tie up involves at least a 10-year commitment.
A Red Bull spox gave Racer.com the following statement:
“Further to speculation that has been reported about a potential future involvement from Porsche into Red Bull Powertrains and Red Bull’s Formula 1 team, as has been previously stated, the companies remain engaged in constructive discussions.
“We all are looking forward to the satisfactory finalization of the FIA’s various sporting, financial and technical regulations for 2026.”
The 2026 season is a long way away, and the current regulations are quite different from what has thus far been proposed for the new power units. That said, Red Bull is currently on a very strong run in Formula One, having won the drivers’ championship in 2021 (in dramatic and perhaps undeserved fashion), and looks on track to repeat with both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships basically on lock in 2022. That bodes well for Porsche.
