Porsche set to make major announcement: A return to F1 after all?

It looks like Porsche is coming up with a major announcement. The German brand would like to make its entrance into Formula 1. Is this the hint many fans have been waiting for?

The Volkswagen Group is keen to make its entry into F1 in 2026 with its brands Audi and Porsche. With Audi, that participation has already been confirmed. Starting with the new engine regulations, Audi will supply its power unit and enter into a partnership with Sauber. That team will be renamed in the German marque's colours in 2026.

Porsche previously seemed close to a partnership with Red Bull Racing, but that deal eventually collapsed over Porsche's desire to also own 50 percent of the team. As a result, they had to search for a new partner. With many teams already equipped with their own engine or a strong partnership with another team, few remain.

Yet only one message has remained on Porsche Formula E's Instagram account, that a major announcement will follow on 16 January 2023. 'Start your engines', the caption reads, which is strange. Formula E cars, after all, do not have an 'engine', but a powertrain. Does this hint at a possible announcement from the brand?

There is already wild speculation on the internet about Porsche's possible partner, but there is only one serious candidate and that is Williams. The Grove-based team is the only team not to have a really strong relationship with another team, has owners with Dorilton Capital who want to take the team to great heights, and even managed to snare a top man like James Vowles for the role of team boss. Was that possible with a Porsche deal on the horizon?