Porsche May Return to Formula 1 as an Engine Supplier

Porsche may have withdrawn from Le Mans to focus on Formula E, but that may not be its only involvement in racing. It’s also considering becoming an engine supplier for Formula 1. According to Autosport, Lutz Meschke, Porsche’s finance head, used the Italian Grand Prix to meet with F1 chief Ross Brawn. He also spoke openly about the fact that Porsche was discussing its potential role as an engine supplier.

“F1 could be one of the right places,” Meschke told Autosport. “As you know Formula E is very important for us now, and F1 is always a good topic to think about. And I think we are in quite good discussions regarding the new engine.” But according to Meschke, Porsche isn’t interested in becoming a works team. The “discussions are around being a supplier,” he said.

If Porsche did join F1, though, it wouldn’t be for a couple more years. At the moment, the plan is to start in 2021 to coincide with the rules change. But it seems like F1’s new owner, Liberty Media, is pretty interested in adding Porsche as a supplier, potentially making this decision more likely.

“Ultimately we’re trying to create a platform and environment where more engine manufacturers and brands and teams come into this sport and make it a compelling business proposition to do so,” Sean Bratches, F1’s commercial head, told Autosport. “The inclusion of Porsche, which is a heritage racing brand in our sport, would be highly valued.”

Source: Autosport

 

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