Volkswagen to Enter F1 if latter Aligns with Way to Zero Strategy

Volkswagen (VW) may enter Audi and Porsche to Formula 1 (F1) if the latter’s new regulations for 2026 align with the OEM’s Way to Zero strategy. F1 has taken several actions toward sustainability, for example by abiding to the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) standards.

“We are currently in the final evaluation phase. At this point, the new regulations for 2026 and subsequent years are not yet available. These will set out far-reaching changes to make the sport more sustainable, which is a prerequisite for Audi’s entry,” announced VW.

By 2025, F1 aims to unleash the second-generation power unit F1 engine, a carbon neutral engine that will be powered by sustainable fuel. F1’s sustainability rules for the 2022 season include changes regarding tire heating. Before, tires could heat up to 100° C  but now they can only be heated to 70° C, because less heating means a lower carbon footprint.

The FIA also has an Environmental Accreditation Program that endorses racing teams implementing best practices through the use of environmental management systems. McLaren, for example, was the first team to win this accreditation back in 2013 and on April 4, 2022, it received it again for the ninth time in a row. “This award is the recognition that McLaren Racing has constantly been at the forefront of advanced innovation to create a sustainable sport for the future and marks a new milestone in this ongoing journey,” said Felipe Calderón, President, FIA Environment and Disability Commission.

Although no official announcement has been made, if the new regulations align with VW’s sustainability strategies, Porsche could partner with Red Bull. Audi’s future alliance is not yet clear.

VW Way to Zero global strategy aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. VW is investing globally over US$100 billion in electrification and digitalization as it works to become a leader of sustainable mobility. On March 10, 2022, VW Mexico reported that its production levels rose to 1.6 million vehicles and 1.3 million engines using renewably sourced electricity, as reported by MBN.

While VW is committed to electromobility, the OEM is also maintaining the essence of the brand. The return of its iconic van, the ID Buzz, in its electric version is an example of that. The ID Buzz is VW’s first zero-emission vehicle to enter large-scale production and aims to become a symbol of the automaker’s transformation.

From Jan. 2022 to March 2022, VW sold 8.8 percent of all vehicles in Mexico and in Mar. 2022, the brand sold 10.5 percent of the total light vehicles commercialized in the country.