Both brands have many fans and have their own character, we decided to keep the programs separate
Porsche and Audi have decided to work on separate projects for Formula 1 after much discussion between them. Audi has officially announced today that it is entering the sport. The other brand is expected to do the same soon. Both companies are part of the Volkswagen Group concern.
“We have raced Porsche at Le Mans with completely separate programs. In this case it will be the same. We will work in Germany. Porsche, if it comes in, will be a UK-based operation.”
“There was a huge discussion. But since both brands have a lot of fans and have their own character, we decided to keep the programs separate and work separately,” said Audi CEO Markus Dussmann.
“There are several reasons. We will work with different teams. Drive systems must be designed for the specific chassis. So we decided not to get together, as we will be working with completely different cars. Accordingly, this will require different aggregates.’
“Integrating the electrical systems in the powertrain with the chassis takes time with two (different) cars. So the projects will be completely separate. We will work on the integration ourselves,” Dusman added.
What a racing pedigree 💪#F1 @audisport pic.twitter.com/SXUR9HeLuJ
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 26, 2022
Audi’s announcement is a milestone for the @FIA @F1 World Championship and the entire motor sport community. I thank everyone at @audisport, @F1 and the @FIA. It is an endorsement of the hard work done by all stakeholders to develop the new Power Unit Regulations for 2026. #F1 https://t.co/WejJgkcN96
— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) August 26, 2022
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the deal between Alfa Romeo and Sauber, which sees the Swiss team racing under the Italian brand, will end at the end of 2023.
Audi is expected to buy 75% of Sauber, which Swiss sources reported months ago. There is no confirmation of this. Audi announced today that it is entering the sport from 2026 as a powertrain supplier. The company also announced that it will announce which team it will work with by the end of the year.
We have our two best men on the job… The Adventures of Bla… ZHOU & VALTTERI! 🕵️♂️
Inspired by Blake and Mortimer.#BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/AKBogJ46dp
— Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN (@alfaromeoorlen) August 26, 2022