Audi to Formula One Talks Intensify

Photo: Audi

Audi has made further hints towards a possible venture into Formula One, with Chairman Rupert Stadler admitting that it remains an option for the future.

The German manufacturer has been long rumored to be evaluating a F1 program, potentially in partnership with Red Bull Racing, which has struggled with its current engine supplier, Renault, since the beginning of last year.

Red Bull’s motorport advisor Helmut Marko told BBC Sport that the energy drink giant may quit F1 if it’s unable to secure a deal with Audi.

“If we don’t have a competitive engine in the near future, then either Audi is coming or we are out,” Marko told BBC Sport.

Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler, meanwhile, revealed to Auto Express that F1 program remains an option for the automaker.

“In life you must keep things open,” Stadler told Auto Express. “We’re already well stuffed with successful motorsport projects.

“But with F1, wait and see. It’s an option for Audi. Not at this moment, perhaps. But it is still an option.”

The continued talks come in the wake of a shuffle at the top of the Volkswagen Group, which has seen Ferdinand Piech, who had long opposed any involvement in F1, step down as Chairman.

Piech’s permanent replacement has yet to be named.

Audi, meanwhile, has seen a rebound in fortunes in the FIA World Endurance Championship, having taken wins in the opening two rounds of the season with its heavily revised R18 e-tron quattro.

A F1 program for the manufacturer has long been rumored as the end of its factory LMP1 program, although there’s been no formal indication on such a possibility.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John