Two of the prestigious names in car making look set to enter the Formula One world with news that the VW board has backed plans by Audi and Porsche to get on the Grand Prix grid by 2026. 

The two brands will adopt differing approaches and collaborate with different existing F1 names. It is believed that Audi is set to offer some €500 million to buy McLaren, with Porsche looking set to form a partnership with the successful Red Bull team. 

However, it is thought that Audi is looking for guarantees on the long term sustainability of racing before fully committing to the investment. F1 has set a goal for carbon neutrality by 2030 which would align to Audi strategy. For Porsche, already deeply involved in other forms of motorsport, the move to F1 would appear more of a natural progression. 

The moves are likely motivated by the dominance of Mercedes in F1 over recent years.