Durheimer: VW Group Passed on F1 Due to Series Stability, Rule Changes

Despite rumors that Audi and Red Bull would join forces on a Formula 1 team, it’s been evident for some time now that this isn’t in the cards. Now, motorsport boss Wolfgang Dürheimer confirms that the VW Group isn’t looking into an F1 bid at this point.

“Formula 1 is not on our agenda right now,” Dürheimer told Autocar. “The situation is not predictable enough to make the kind of investment required.”

VW’s reluctance to join F1 revolves partly around the instability surrounding the series’ ownership. In recent months, the controlling shareholder in F1 hinted it may sell the sport. But also at issue are future rule changes for F1.

“Before you commit the kind of money needed you must see five years of rules stability – there can’t be the possibility of rules changes, of more or less engine cylinders coming in, or the hybrid system changing away from technology you are developing on road cars,” he said.

Last year, we reported that Audi was more interested in LMP1 thanks to the flexibility it provides. Ulrich Hackenberg, then-member of the board of management for technical development at Audi, said, “LMP1 is interesting to us because while the rules are very tight, it is not so limited in the technology. We don’t see that in F1. If F1 allowed technology that was close to our road cars, we would look at it.”

Meanwhile, Audi and Porsche currently compete in the World Endurance Championship. VW Group is also involved in the World Rally Championship and World Rallycross Championship.

Source: Autocar

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