Audi-McLaren & Porsche-Red Bull? New Entrants Seek Partnership With F1 Elites Following VW Approval

Formula One will soon have 2 big manufacturers entering the sport. There are reports that Volkswagen will give green light to Audi and Porsche to enter the sport in the coming years. Many have reported that both German manufacturers, Audi and Porsche, will turn engine suppliers to McLaren and Red Bull, respectively.

Although it is yet to be confirmed, sources have reported that Volkswagen is about to give green light to both manufacturers. Audi will probably offer around $556.30 million to McLaren for a partnership.

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While Porsche will probably enter a long-term partnership with the Red Bull Racing team. But their entry into the sport might not be at smooth as predicted by everyone.

Will we see Audi-McLaren and Porsche-Red Bull soon in F1?

Although both manufacturers can enter the sport, they might not supply engines to their desired customers before the 2026 season. As things stand, there will be an engine freeze later this season applied to all the engines till 2025.

This means that the teams cannot switch engine suppliers before the 2026 season. McLaren is currently racing with a Mercedes engine in the back while Red Bull have their own power trains.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown even hinted that the partnership with Audi is not a guarantee right now. He revealed that they are currently not looking for any more partners and also have an engine supplier.

“If they decide (to come in) then there’s a conversation to be had, but at this point, we don’t want to have any conversations until we know someone is committed to the sport,” said Zak Brown.

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It would be interesting to see two of the biggest car manufacturers in the world joining the pinnacle of motorsport. McLaren may not be as excited to partner with Audi right now. But Red Bull have hinted occasionally that they will welcome Porsche into the sport. But if the Austrian team takes the engine from the Porsche soon, what will happen to its own power trains?

The reports of Audi and Porsche joining the sport have certainly caught the attention of everyone.