For many months, Porsche plans to return to Formula 1 from 2026 in particular the changes in engine regulations from that date. But within a few weeks this project seems to have taken the lead, so much so that the Stuttgart firm would choose to delay this return.

After the retirement of Fritz Enzinger, who is considered to be the driving force behind Porsche’s F1 project, the brand’s return to F1 seems to have been put on the back burner last December. However, in September 2022 after unsuccessful negotiations with Red BullPorsche did not give up the throne and still planned to return to the first category of motorsport.

Porsche has not yet completely closed the door to Formula 1

Rumors even spread about a possible collaboration with Williams or even Andretti. There were other discussions, including with McLaren, but Porsche was at an impasse. There was even a prospect to fully assemble your factory team, but it was not accepted. According to Motorsport.com, several employees working on the F1 project have been redirected to other programs.

“Motorsport will always be at the center of our brand identity. Formula 1 remains an interesting series for us. »Porsche said. but “for the next years”the company will focus on WEC and IMSA, as well as the Formula E World Championship. “We want to fight for victories. This is our tradition and our main goal. »

This statement, however, shows that the manufacturer has not completely closed the door to Formula 1. If the opportunity arises, Porsche will definitely study this.

Will Porsche and McLaren merge soon?

Nevertheless, Porsche is not leaving empty-handed from these negotiations, as the manufacturer can see its ties with McLaren Automotive.

Indeed, the Woking firm’s produce division recently appointed Michael Leiters as managing director. He is a former director of technology at Ferrari, but he also held an important position at Porsche for 13 years, where he notably worked on the Cayenne.

So Porsche can help McLaren and vice versa regarding the development of the future SUV. We now know that McLaren is no longer closed to the idea of ​​developing an SUV, especially given the financial windfall it generates and the success of Porsche, namely the Cayenne and Macan, or even, more recently, Lamborghini. with his urus.