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Porsche entry could hurt the German manufacturer
- Rishi Wig
The Volkswagen group has held an active interest in the 2026 engine regulations, which will see the sport drop the use of the MGU-H component in the drivetrain and begin using larger amounts of biofuels in the fuel mix. This has seen Audi come into the sport to partner Sauber in 2026, while Porsche continues to evaluate their options. Could the entry of Porsche damage themselves, however?
Branding
Porsche will definitely benefit from further drilling down their name in the sustainable transport industry. The German giant was the first to create a hybrid energy system in a car and will undoubtedly benefit from aligning themselves to the even more environmentally friendly 2026 engine regulations.
Both Porsche and F1 will grow in stature from this arrangement as well. By having an iconic name in the world of motorsport join the modern formula one field, F1 will generate greater enthusiasm and interest in the backroom dealings and performances of Porsche. The sport will grow as another option will be made available to the teams, providing them an opportunity to potentially harness a new power and better their own on-track showings.
Resources
Especially now, in a world still reeling from the after effects of the global shutdown from the pandemic and violent economic swings afterwards, Porsche will need to approach the prospect of multi-series competition with caution. Their sister Volkswagen company, Audi, recently walked away from both Formula E and WEC, so that they could greater focus their resources and efforts on the F1 engine project that lay ahead of them.
The process of coordinating staff for support and for their work teams across their endurance series, “hard-top” racing and for F1 will be a monumental effort for the company. To organise themselves to meet the vast number of stakeholders in each program will require an incredible attention to detail and high levels of commitment. While the knowledge garnered and brand image bolstered by the involvement in so many racing series, it could still pose as a risk.
Benefits
Formula 1 is a platform which not just drivers, but manufacturers strive to achieve a place in. With the captive audience levels across the world, the opportunity of generating fans, customers and other stakeholders. By being actively involved in a team’s success as an engine manufacturer, the efforts will be rewarded with a general growth in image as an entity which is focused on energy efficient, high performance.
The knowledge that Porsche will be able to garner will be incredibly useful in the race for sustainability. The intended introduction of 50% biofuels will help the engine manufacturers to learn how to maximise energy efficiency and performance from a new fuel composition.
Time will tell if the German giant will venture into the world of F1, but they will need to act soon.