911 GT3

Make
Porsche
Segment
Coupe

This week, Aston Martin returned to the Formula One arena after a 61-year absence. Interestingly, not everyone is continuing to pour money into F1, with Honda set to exit the sport at the end of this year's season. Late last year, Volkswagen also announced that it was giving up on motorsport, but now one of the companies under its umbrella, namely Porsche, is looking at furthering its motorsport endeavors, particularly in Formula One. But nothing is set in stone, and F1's finicky engine regulations will play a role in the decision-making process. If the brand does enter F1, it would certainly be very exciting, but F1 is a very different ball game to Le Mans, where Porsche has shown prowess in the past.

According to BBC Sport, Porsche Motorsport vice-president Fritz Enzinger says: "It would be of great interest if aspects of sustainability - for instance, the implementation of e-fuels - play a role in [F1's new engine regulations]." Those new regulations are due to be implemented in 2025, and with Stuttgart already developing its own e-fuels, the right regulations and the right timing could create the perfect storm for Porsche to make a grand entrance into motorsport's premier racing series. Enzinger continues, saying that should synthetic fuels be confirmed, "we will evaluate them in detail within the VW Group and discuss further steps." F1 has committed to e-fuels in 2025, so it's just a matter of how that concerns Porsche.

Further reports suggest that "senior F1 figures say Porsche has been involved in the discussion around the new engine rules." Of course, Porsche's entry into F1 would be beneficial for both parties, with the automaker gaining additional motorsport cred and prestige, while F1 would be able to attract more viewers.

If the brand does decide to get involved, it's unclear as to whether Porsche would start its own works team, take over from an existing team, or partner with one. Rumors say that the VW Group has had initial exploratory talks with Red Bull, McLaren, and Williams. Porsche has or had a relationship with all three teams, but Red Bull was the only team to comment on these rumors, saying that it would consider all potential partners very seriously. Williams declined to comment, while McLaren simply said, "We never comment on speculation."

We are clearly witnessing the very early stages of a project that may never get the green light, but with the Porsche 911 GT3 already so beloved for its handling ability yet still considered by many as below the levels of Ferrari and McLaren in the supercar hierarchy, F1 bragging rights could be just the ticket to attract even more fans to the brand.