Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff says the entry of Volkswagen Group’s Porsche and Audi into F1 will make competition tougher.
Audi announced at Spa-Francorchamps on Friday that it will enter F1 in 2026 with its own new power unit. Alfa is now believed to be nearing the final stages of a deal to buy the Sauber F1 team, which races under the Romeo name.
Porsche, meanwhile, is believed to be partnering with Red Bull and Red Bull Powertrains, though no official announcement has been made yet.
Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes welcomes competition from the two German brands after recently battling them in Formula E.
“It’s great,” said Wolff when asked about Audi’s F1 entry.
“I think it shows the strength of the sport to have a car company, and one of the best brands in the non-automotive sector, in Formula 1.”
“And it’s great for the sport and great for us to have the best car companies in the world as competitors.”
“Formula 1 is the toughest sporting event for any car company in the world. It has always been and will be even tougher with their arrival.”
Toto Wolff says he understands why Audi and Porsche are taking different approaches to their projects.
“One is a fully integrated works team in Switzerland and the other is joining one of the best F1 teams in the world, so I think we’re hedging our bets. It makes sense for a dual-track strategy. ” commented Toto Wolff.
Williams F1 team principal Jost Kapit, who previously ran Volkswagen’s WRC programme, agreed that Audi’s F1 entry shows the strength of the series.
“I think it’s really important for Formula 1 that a car manufacturer like the Volkswagen Group is announcing their entry,” he said.
“This also bodes well for all the other manufacturers and shows the importance and the steps F1 has taken in recent years.”
“A few years ago it was out of the question, but now we have two manufacturers, two brands from the Volkswagen Group, Audi and most likely Porsche. I think it’s great for F1.”
“I think Audi has been successful everywhere. If they run a programme, I’m sure they’ll take it seriously and get there sooner or later. I have no doubts about that.”
Category: F1 / mercedes / audi / Porsche