MOTORSPORT: Porsche confirms interest in Formula 1

Porsche looks set to join the Formula 1 paddock after its financial chief reportedly confirmed interest in supplying engines to the category under proposed 2021 regulations.

Weeks after announcing its departure from the World Endurance Championship at the end of this season, Porsche has apparently expressed interest in supplying simplified twin-turbo six-cylinder engines compared with those currently used in the field.

According to a report by motorsport.com, Porsche deputy chairman Lutz Meschke met with Formula 1 heavyweights including Ross Brawn at the weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

Lutz was forthcoming in Porsche’s interests around a Formula 1 return, almost 30 years since Porsche’s unsuccessful Footwork team foray.

Key to Porsche’s future dabble in F1 are new engine regulations being touted for the 2021 season. The category changes are said to have focussed on a move to cheaper, simpler technology than is currently being used.

"F1 could be one of the right places," Meschke told motorsport.com. "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."

Asked if the proposed plans for engines with less technology could attract Porsche to the category, Lutz said: "Absolutely. We have to cut costs in F1, and it's a good way to reach this target”.

Meschke confirmed "discussions are around being a supplier", all but ruling out plans for a Porsche factory team.

Though it hasn’t fielded a team in Formula 1 in recent times, Porsche has remained close to the sport commercially through its tie-up with the Supercup support category, in which Australia's Matt Campbell is a front-runner.

Elsewhere, Porsche has invested its motorsport interests in the bourgeoning Formula E category, a program it recently pledged to back through the 2019/2020 seasons.

In a Formula 1 capacity, the talk is of Porsche renewing the association it had with McLaren in the 1980s – in place of Honda, with whom its ‘remarriage’ has been disastrous.

There is also speculation that Porsche’s F1 powerplant will do service in a Red Bull car, perhaps creating the opportunity for Carsales ambassador Daniel Ricciardo to fulfill his world title potential.