Porsche Has Taken a Serious Look at Entering Formula 1
Cost caps and a focus on alternative fuels has Porsche highly considering a jump into the top tier of motorsports.
Formula 1 has turned into something of an automaker’s playground. It wasn’t too long ago that individual teams, like Williams, Sauber, Red Bull and Racing Point made up part of the grid. But looking at the 2021 lineup, there’s Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren, and AMG. It makes sense then that Porsche would be interested in getting in on the action.
A report from ESPN seems to indicate this. In their article, Porsche Motorsport vice-president Fritz Enzinger showed interest in the way F1 would pan out coming regulations for 2025 and beyond. These new governing rules would be of “of great interest if aspects of sustainability — for instance, the implementation of e-fuels” are at the forefront of these changes.
Porsche has been exploring the use of e-fuels, as they feel it could be a suitable zero carbon alternative to keep internal combustion engines alive. If the top level of motorsports is now promoting the use of these fuels, Porsche naturally would have a vested interest. After all, if Porsche loses their flat-six howl, they lose a significant portion of their identity.
Porsche’s history in motorsports is long, storied, and has a direct tie in to their road cars. But as of yet, they haven’t quite ventured into Formula 1. Fans of open wheel racing in the U.S. may remember that Porsche did attempt to field an IndyCar in the late ’80s. Road & Track details the effort, noting that it was a Porsche 935 engine, supplied to Interscope racing, who built the chassis. The team had moderate success, but only scored one win. This stands in stark contrast to their numerous sports car and endurance racing wins.
It goes without saying then that if the automaker were to enter F1, they’d do it with the full intent on competing for a championship win. At the same time, Porsche could co-market their use of e-fuels alongside this new motorsports venture. Time will tell, but things are looking good for Porsche and F1 fans.
Photos: ESPN, Road & Track
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