Audi and Porsche set for F1 green light

Volkswagen appears set to give the go-ahead for Audi and Porsche to join the F1 grid.

Reports on Thursday have suggested the rumours that have long surrounded the two car manufacturers are drawing to a close and that a decision is due next week, with McLaren and Red Bull again being touted as likely partners

In November, McLaren dismissed "wholly inaccurate" reports the team had been sold to Audi.

Earlier this year, however, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown confirmed talks had taken place with regard to a future partnership.

In the same media briefing, Brown additionally commented, "They [Volkswagen] are going to do something with Red Bull on the Porsche front."

Thursday's reports suggest Audi is willing to offer a fee of around €500million [£422m] for McLaren, an option simpler than attempting to join the grid as a new entrant.

A deal between Porsche and Red Bull has been spoken of since the Milton Keynes-based team parted company with Honda.

With its Red Bull Powertrains facility nearing completion, the lack of set-up costs for Porsche is an enticing prospect.

While Volkswagen and Red Bull may not have worked together in F1, the two have a relationship in other disciplines of motorsport, notably the World Rally Championship.

A key part of Volkswagen's decision is whether it believes F1 can follow through on its fuel targets, with the sport hoping to switch to 100 per cent sustainable ‘drop-in fuels’ for the start of the next engine cycle in 2026.

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