Porsche's race to 2026 is run: Unrealistic demands ended German carmaker's F1 entry hopes

Porsche's re-entry into Formula 1 had been one of the biggest talking points throughout 2022. Rumours of a collaboration with a leading team quickly raced up and down the paddock, eventually confirming that the German automaker was in talks with its Austrian neighbours, Red Bull Racing.

It was a dream pairing, but the dream only looked good on paper. In reality, what Porsche wanted was something Red Bull would never give up - at least not for what Porsche had offered in return.

Everything went sour quickly, and the Red Bull-Porsche talks fell through the mat. The Austrian team eventually agreed to a technical partnership with American automotive giant Ford, who returns to the sport in 2026 after last competing in 2004, albeit under then-subsidiary Jaguar.

Sadly for Porsche, an opportunity to partner with an existing team from 2026 onwards does not seem possible. Still, the sportscar maker did confirm that they will continue to monitor the F1 landscape.

"The premise was always that a partnership would be based on an equal footing, which would include not only an engine partnership but also the team," Porsche said in an official statement.

"This could not be achieved (with Red Bull Racing). With the finalised rule changes, the racing series nevertheless remains an attractive environment for Porsche, which will continue to be monitored."

Why the negotiations fell flat

Porsche is a major player in the world of sports cars. Its pedigree is almost without peer, and it would be a dream situation for any team - be it in F1 or any motorsport category - to be associated with this great German brand.

However, F1 teams are not in the game of begging for money anymore. Well, not as much as they used to be. The implemented budget caps