With its arrival in F1, the Volkswagen Group wants a German driver in its teams

The Porsche and Audi brands will officially enter Formula 1 from 2026 and will partner with the current Formula 1 team. By doing so, the Volkswagen Group has set itself the goal of looking at a German driver.

Last Monday (03), Audi and Porsche confirmed their entry into Formula 1 from 2026. Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess explained an important goal for both brands.

Porsche and Audi will be part of an existing team. Porsche has been linked with a Pride Bull for years, and Audi is now considered the closest to a deal with Sauber. In the case of Porsche, it will be a partnership with Red Bull Powertrains, while Audi has been considering its own engine.

Dies expressed that when Porsche and Audi enter Formula 1, they will look to put a German driver on each team. At Red Bull, this means that Max Verstappen will have a new teammate from 2026. Also at Sauber (current Alfa Romeo), the space should be open for the German driver.

There are currently two German drivers who are active in Formula 1, one of whom (Sebastian Vettel) is unlikely to be active in 2026. Mick Schumacher is another and has a great future ahead of him. As a rookie Ferrari driver, he wouldn’t switch to an Audi or a Porsche like that. At the moment, it is still speculation, but the desire has already been expressed by the Volkswagen Group.