https://f1-insider.com/formel-1-vw-a...instieg-42710/
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Audi and Porsche into Formula 1? Decision near
Is it almost time? VW Group's supervisory board is expected to discuss and decide on a double Formula 1 entry this week
F1 Insider | 05 April 2022 , 2:13 pm
Is it almost time? VW Group's supervisory board is expected to discuss and decide on a double Formula One entry this week
The crucial supervisory board meeting is getting closer. According to the industry newspaper "Automobilwoche", the VW Group's supervisory board is to discuss its future Formula 1 involvement on 7 April - and, at best, decide on it.
Rumours about the German flagship company's entry into the premier class of motorsport have persisted for months. The target is 2026, when new engine regulations come into force. The electric share of the hybrid system will then be increased to half, and the combustion engine will be fuelled exclusively by sustainable petrol. In addition, expensive and complicated components such as the MGuH (generates electricity from the exhaust jet) will be banned.
The new regulations are the bait - the fish just have to bite.
According to Automobilwoche, this should only be a formality. According to the report, Audi wants to acquire a stake in McLaren for 650 million euros. But it's not just about Formula 1, it's also about the sports car manufacturer. F1-Insider.com can also confirm that intensive negotiations have taken place in recent months - even at the operational level.
Fittingly: Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali, formerly head of VW subsidiary Lamborghini and employed by Audi, has recently been beating the expectation drum again and again, saying when asked about VW, among other things: "Wait and see, soon you'll know more."
F1 Insider reported back in October 2021 that McLaren is the object of Audi's desire ahead of Williams. McLaren managing director Zak Brown also admits: "They have spoken to a number of people and, as you can imagine, we have had discussions as well. In the short and medium term we are happy with our partner Mercedes. We are waiting to see what happens. We have a contract until the end of 2025 and we will decide calmly how to go on from 2026."
But recently the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has repeatedly postponed the Volkswagen decision. Even now there are critical voices within Audi: is it possible to plan an investment worth hundreds of millions in the midst of the crisis? The supervisory board is now likely to ask itself the same question.
Especially as it's not just Audi that's involved. Porsche, the group's sister company, also wants to enter the premier class in parallel with the Ingolstadt-based company with its own engine, albeit without buying a team. The Stuttgart company's plans are aimed at a cooperation with Red Bull Racing and its sister team AlphaTauri.
Now, at least as far as Audi's ambitious and elaborate plans are concerned, it is only up to the supervisory board.
By: Bianca Garloff and Ralf Bach
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Oh lawd.... I'm more excited for this announcement than Melbourne.
Confirmed that Audi is looking to take majority ownership of McLaren everything - not just F1.