In 2026 Formula 1 will be entering a new era for Power Units in a quest to be more sustainable. A new era that has sparked the interest of the Volkswagen Group, whose representatives have taken part in the discussions regarding the new engine regulations.

Just last week the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that the group is considering entering F1 with their brands, Audi and Porsche, not only as engine suppliers, but with their very own teams.

McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown believes that it is very likely at least one of the brands will be entering the sport, with Porsche supposedly being in talks with Red Bull.

“I’m hearing they’re going to do something with Red Bull on the Porsche front,” Brown said. “I think they’ve spoken with a handful of people on the grid, and as you imagine we have conversations, but in the short-term and medium-term we’re very happy with where we are.”

While Red Bull has lunched its own Power Unit manufacturing company, Red Bull Powertrains, to take over development and production after Honda’s departure from Formula 1, McLaren went back to Mercedes engines – like in 2014 - just last season, after a disappointing chapter with Honda first and Renault right after and has a contract tying them to the Brackley team until 2024.

“So, we’re going to just wait and see are they going to enter the sport – because I don’t think that’s been definitively decided – and then if they do, we have a contract through this term,” he continued.

“Naturally, we’re going to evaluate where we are and who’s in the sport and take a decision on 2026 in due course.”