Porsche Thinks F1 Could Be More Lucrative Than Formula E

Dec. 14, 2021 1:14 PM ET byGerhard Horn Motorsport /6 Comments

It would make sense considering F1's rapid increase in popularity.

We're 100% convinced Formula One's recent success has drawn the attention of various manufacturers looking to get into some form of racing. The good news is that the cost of racing in F1 will drop dramatically in 2026 when new regulations are introduced. Porsche, it seems, is very interested in joining the pack, which means dropping out of Formula E.

In short, the regulations remove the need for the MGU-H system, which is an energy recovering device. It has no real-world application, and it is costly to develop. By dropping this system, F1 gives any new teams that might want to enter a more affordable option.

As we reported earlier, the rule changescould lure the Volkswagen Group. More specifically, thelikes of Porsche. Imagine a field with Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Alpine, and Porsche.

Thomas Laudenbach, Porsche's new vice president of motorsport, recently sat down for an interview withMotorsport.com. He recently joined Porsche after the departure of Pascal Wehrlein, following a dismal couple of years in Formula E. This season, it finished in eighth place. That's not exactly prime placement if your goal is to sell more electric performance cars like theTaycan.

What makes it hurt even more is that Mercedes scored both the driver's and constructor's championship in Formula E. Porsche isn't used to losing when it comes to motorsport...

"The success wasn't as good as we expected or as we wanted to have. That's a fact," said Laudenbach. "The goal is we want to win races in Formula E, and we are for sure heading for a championship."

Porsche is still locked into Formula E until the 2023 to 2024 season. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes have already announced that they'll bebowing out of the sport. According to Laudenbach, Porsche will evaluate remaining in Formula E in the coming year.

As for moving over to F1, Laudenbach stated that "it's not a secret that we are thinking about it and that the factors for Porsche to join F1 - namely an increased push for greater electrification to elements of the powertrain - are coming true."

If Porsche decides to move over to F1, it will impact its decision to continue with Formula E. "For sure, if in the meantime there would be a decision for Formula 1, which is extremely open, this will influence what we do in all the other programs. That's clear," said Laudenbach.