After months of deadlock, the world automotive association FIA has confirmed the regulations for Formula 1 engines from the 2026 season and thus the basis for an entry by Porsche and Audi placed. On Tuesday, the World Motor Sport Council approved the draft, which lays down the technical and economic parameters for the new hybrid drives.
Newcomers now have 15 days from the World Council’s decision to make a firm commitment to join. Porsche is likely to enter into a cooperation with the top team Red Bull. There is even speculation that the German company will take over 50 percent of the shares in the racing team from world champion Max Verstappen (24).
While the ties between Porsche and Red Bull have been an open secret for quite some time, the possible path for sister company Audi is not yet clearly defined. Both VW brands had long since expressed their interest in joining from 2026, but an official announcement always depended on a final agreement on the regulations. In recent months, this has been postponed again and again, since the manufacturers Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault, who are currently already active in Formula 1, fought for their interests.
Electric motors and budget limit
The engines from the 2026 season should be cheaper, more relevant for series production and more sustainable, that was also the requirement formulated by Porsche and Audi. The new set of rules also makes the electric motor more relevant, for the first time it delivers the same power as the combustion engine. In addition, the pilots must drive with 100 percent sustainable fuel.
In order to make the race more sportingly fair, Formula 1 also introduced a maximum budget. Since 2021, teams have not been allowed to spend more than $145 million per season, and by 2025 the cap will be reduced to €135 million. The top teams, which employ 600 to 700 people, are already cutting jobs.
Since the US group Liberty Media bought Formula 1 in 2016, a lot has changed in the most important racing series in the world. The new owners rely on social media, a cooperation with Netflix and try to conquer the US market, where until recently there was little interest in Formula 1. In 2017, Liberty Media also dismissed long-time Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (91), which triggered a break in the racing series
, as manager magazin reported.