After months of speculation, Audi will be joining Formula 1 in 2026 as they complete a majority takeover of Sauber, but there could have been another newcomer to join them.
Rumours had run rife that Porsche would be entering the sport, with it eventually being revealed that the car manufacturer were in talks with constructors’ champions Red Bull over a potential partnership.
It was suggested that Porsche would enter the sport in 2026, the same year as Audi, but unlike Sauber’s new partners, talks between Red Bull and Porsche unfortunately broke down.
The tragic passing of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has led to a reshuffle high up in the team, with sports CEO Oliver Mintzlaff now in charge of proceedings.
READ: Not Hamilton or Verstappen: Vettel reveals best natural talent in Formula 1
Despite the change in management, the team’s chief advisor Helmut Marko has been quick to shoot down any suggestions that talks with Porsche could now resume.
“No,” Marko said bluntly when asked whether Red Bull would attempt to rekindle a relationship with Porsche.
“But I am flying to Japan for negotiations with Honda,” he then claimed.
Honda have been Red Bull’s engine provider since the energy drink giants made the switch from Honda in 2016, and despite the team’s plan to create their own engines from 2026, Honda have confirmed that they will be supporting Red Bull Powertrains until the end of the 2025 season.
Talks with sponsors and partners are not the only stumbling block that Red Bull will have to overcome following the passing of Mateschitz, with Marko suggesting that he will now be in charge of deciding his own future.
Marko is a massive part of Red Bull, not just as a racing team but as a brand, and the Austrian has told reporters that even at 79 years of age, he is still as passionate as ever about staying with the team.
READ: Andreas Seidl opens up on blame for Daniel Ricciardo failure
“I performed my task out of affection for Dietrich Mateschitz, a visionary who understood absolutely everything in the big picture,” he explained.
“If I understand that the atmosphere no longer suits me, then this will not be a problem. I can leave even today, even tomorrow. But luckily the fire is still burning.”
With Red Bull comfortably winning both championships they will be in no rush to make major changes within the team, but they will still be cautious of not resting on their laurels and letting Ferrari and Mercedes catch up to them.