Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
    • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
    • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • PUBLICIS SAPIENT: The power of post-purchase: How automakers can maximize customer lifetime value
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Racing
January 13, 2022 04:59 AM

VW Group will discuss F1 racing for Audi and Porsche next month, paper says

F1 racing would give Audi, Porsche increased marketing exposure in key markets

Nathan Eddy
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    McLaren F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
    REUTERS

    McLaren driver Lando Norris is pictured during F1's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec. 12, 2021.

    BERLIIN -- The Volkswagen Group supervisory board could decide next month whether its Audi and Porsche subsidiaries should compete in Formula One, German business paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) reported.

    Entering the racing series, which is popular in Europe, would be costly but would give the two brands increased marketing exposure in key Asian markets including China and to a growing audience in the U.S.

    Both Audi CEO Markus Duesmann and Porsche boss Oliver Blume are keen for their brands to join the competition, the paper said.

    F1 boss Stefano Domenicali, a former VW Group executive and head of its Lamborghini supercar brand, is pressing the automaker's board for a decision soon so he can conclude lucrative TV marketing contracts, the report said.

    VW Group's supervisory board will discuss the matter at the end of February, FAZ said, adding that group CEO Herbert Diess has long been considered a proponent of entry into F1.

    The racing series is moving to become CO2-neutral from 2026 onward, using electrified powertrains and synthetic fuels.

    Under more climate-friendly conditions, the two premium brands would be able to justify a very costly Formula One commitment from a sustainability perspective.

    According to information from the FAZ report, Audi and Porsche want to jointly develop a F1 powertrain to save costs. They would not to be mere engine suppliers but would compete with their own racing teams.

    Running costs for a top tier F1 team can easy top several hundred million euros per season, and only a part of that investment is returned in the form of sponsorship money.

    The report said negotiations with the McLaren and Red Bull racing teams are at an advanced stage. These involve a purchase offer for McLaren by Audi and close Porsche cooperation with Red Bull.

    Audi and McLaren denied initial rumors of a takeover of McLaren in November, however McLaren said it is open to technology collaboration "with relevant partners and suppliers."

    The McLaren F1 team currently uses engines from Mercedes-Benz.

    In an interview with Auto Bild Motorsport earlier this month, Domenicali made positive overtures to VW Group.

    "I think we have an important month ahead of us in terms of the Volkswagen Group's decision," he said. "Getting involved would be great, but I can't speak on behalf of VW. I was part of this incredible group for a few years, and I know how hard they are working on the future."

    Porsche had previously competed in Formula 1 with a team in the 1950s and 1960s and provided the power unit for four world championship titles for McLaren in the 1980s. Porsche withdrew from the premier class in 1991.

    Related Article
    Audi will study costs of tie-up with McLaren
    Mercedes open to engine compromise that would help VW enter F1
    Aston Martin breaks ground on new UK F1 factory
    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Stellantis invests $173 million to build electric Citroen SUV in France
    Recommended for You
    Citroen C5 Aircross
    Stellantis invests $173 million to build electric Citroen SUV in France
    Lithium ion battery pack close-up
    Chinese EV battery maker Gotion mulls factory in Morocco
    BMW X1 2022
    BMW deal wind down leads to 1,800 job cuts at Dutch car builder
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
        • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
        • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • PUBLICIS SAPIENT: The power of post-purchase: How automakers can maximize customer lifetime value
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us