The Formula 1 dream is over for Porsche after they reportedly gave up hope of landing a spot on the 2026 grid.

In April 2022, parent company Volkswagen announced that both Porsche and Audi were aiming to secure a Formula 1 grid spot but almost a year later, it is Audi who have been far more successful in their attempt.

Audi’s spot in 2026 is already confirmed having bought a stake in Sauber as well as announcing themselves as a power unit supplier but Porsche’s effort now appears to be dead in the water.

While Audi had always looked to create their own team, the goal with Porsche was to partner with an existing outfit but it seems they were unable to find an interested party.

In September 2022, a reported deal between Red Bull and Porsche died in the final stages of the talks as both sides wrestled for control of the team. Red Bull would end up partnering with Ford with their power unit division.

But since then, there has been little talk of another team willing to link up with them despite the German manufacturer’s insistence that they were still seeking a Formula 1 spot.

Now it appears the plan is off with The Race reporting that Porsche will instead focus their efforts on other racing series – with the brand currently competing in Formula E and getting set to enter Le Mans as part of their 963 Hypercar project.

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A timeline of Porsche’s failed entry into Formula 1

May 2019 – Porsche consider F1 entry, design and test and engine before repurposing it for the WEC after Formula 1 announces engine changes would not come until 2026.

November 2021 – Newly appointed head of Porsche Motorsport, Thomas Laudenbach, says things are beginning to come together for a proposed Formula 1 entry.

December 2021 – The FIA confirm new engine regulations from the 2026 season onwards, designed to be more environmentally sustainable but also cheaper.

February 2022 – Rumours emerge that a potential partnership between Porsche and Red Bull to supply the team’s engines are in the closing stages.

April 2022 – Parent company Volkswagen’s CEO Herbert Diess confirms both Audi and Porsche will seek to enter Formula 1.

August 2022 – Audi confirm they will enter the sport as a power unit supplier ahead of a suspected takeover of Sauber.

September 2022 – Porsche’s deal with Red Bull collapses at the final hurdle. The two teams reportedly disagree as to who would have ultimate control of the team.

October 2022 – Audi announce Sauber as the team’s “strategic partner”. The Swiss racing team will become Audi factory team from 2026 onwards.

March 2023 – Reports emerge that Porsche has decided to pursue other ventures as their route into F1 is blocked, with no existing teams willing to work with the brand on the strategic level through which they were looking to enter the sport.

The article Porsche reportedly end formal interest in 2026 Formula 1 entry appeared first on Planetf1.com.