Melbourne, April 8 (BUS): Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen on Friday welcomed the potential arrivals of Porsche and Audi once the engine rules are changed in 2026.
Volkswagen Group on Thursday confirmed plans to enter once technical regulations are in place to make the sport more sustainable, Reuters reported
There has long been speculation about potential partnerships between the current teams and the Audi and Porsche brands, with former champions McLaren and Red Bull in particular mentioned.
“I’ve known about that for a long time already,” world Mercedes driver Hamilton told reporters seven times at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
“I think it’s great to get new manufacturers into this sport, especially as you see there are a lot of teams that have the potential to be top teams, but they are our customer teams.
“I think it would be great going forward and so we welcome them in.”
McLaren, Aston Martin and Williams all use Mercedes power units at the moment, the latter two also being seen as potential Audi partners. Other current engine makers are Ferrari and Renault.
Red Bull set up its own powertrain company to replace Honda, which officially pulled out at the end of last season but still assembles units and provides support on the racetrack.
McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown said last week that the Formula 1 team was “definitely not for sale” and not looking for other equity partners, but that “very preliminary” talks had taken place with Volkswagen.
Audi and McLaren denied reports last year that they had actually formed a partnership. Red Bull has been linked in particular with Porsche.
“I think it’s very exciting and it’s very important for Formula One as well,” said defending champion Verstappen, who has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028.
“Of course, you know, we have 10 great teams, but also to have big brands behind that is really nice, to see that commitment, so I’m looking forward to what the future holds for the teams.”
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