Porsche has officially ruled out any plans to re-enter Formula 1, calling it a “closed chapter,” according to the brand’s motorsport director, Thomas Laudenbach.
Laudenbach’s comments mark the first official statement on Porsche’s F1 ambitions since the full regulations for the 2026 season were unveiled in June. The statement also signals the finality of the manufacturer’s pursuit of an F1 entry after a failed bid to partner with Red Bull Racing nearly two years ago.
No Future Plans for F1
Back in September 2022, when negotiations with Red Bull fell through, Porsche still viewed Formula 1 as an “attractive environment.” However, Laudenbach has now made it clear that the brand is no longer considering an entry into the sport.
“It’s completely off the table. Right now, F1 is not something we are focusing on, and we are not dedicating any energy to it,” Laudenbach stated. “Our attention is fully on what we are currently involved in, and we are extremely satisfied with our motorsport portfolio.”
Porsche’s decision to step away from F1 is primarily due to its existing commitments across multiple racing disciplines, which Laudenbach described as an “ideal fit” for the brand’s identity.
A Strong Presence in Motorsport
Porsche remains deeply engaged in various forms of motorsport, from customer racing to high-level endurance competitions. The company continues to compete in:
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Customer racing programs, including track days, GT4 events, and one-make series.
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Professional GT racing, particularly in the GT3 category.
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Endurance racing, with its 963 LMDh prototype competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA SportsCar Championship in partnership with Penske.
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Formula E, where Porsche has established itself as a key competitor, aligning with its commitment to electrification.
“Since electrification is a crucial part of Porsche’s identity, our involvement in Formula E, the top-tier fully electric racing series, is strategically significant for us,” Laudenbach added. “We believe we are exactly where we need to be in motorsport.”
No Interest in IndyCar Either
In addition to stepping away from Formula 1, Porsche has also ruled out joining the IndyCar Series as an engine supplier. Despite its deep motorsport history, the brand is not looking to expand into the American open-wheel racing series.
The Red Bull Partnership That Never Materialized
Back in April 2022, Volkswagen, Porsche’s parent company, announced that both the Porsche and Audi brands were evaluating entries into Formula 1. While Audi successfully secured a path into the championship, Porsche’s attempt to partner with Red Bull ultimately failed.
Porsche aimed for a deal in which it would acquire a 50% stake in Red Bull’s racing team and its newly established powertrain division. However, the negotiations broke down due to a lack of alignment in strategic vision.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner later stated that the partnership collapsed due to “strategic non-alignment” and concerns that it could have compromised the team’s “values and virtues.” Instead, Red Bull chose to team up with Ford, which will badge the Red Bull Powertrains engine for the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, Audi took a different route, officially committing to an F1 entry as an engine supplier in 2026. The German manufacturer initially acquired a minority stake in the Sauber team in early 2023 before completing a full takeover this spring.
Porsche’s F1 Legacy
Porsche’s history in Formula 1 is relatively brief but notable. The manufacturer first competed in the 1.5-liter era of the sport, with Dan Gurney securing Porsche’s only Grand Prix victory at the 1962 French Grand Prix in a Porsche 804.
Later, Porsche played a significant role in the turbo era, developing the TAG-badged 1.5-liter turbo engine for McLaren. This power unit helped McLaren secure three consecutive F1 world championships in 1984, 1985, and 1986.
Despite its past success, Porsche has now firmly shut the door on any future F1 involvement. Instead, the brand remains committed to endurance racing, GT competition, and electric motorsport, reflecting its broader corporate strategy.
