Audi’s participation in Formula 1 has been speculated about numerous times over the past decade, but the German marque has never taken the jump into the single seater category.
However that could all be about to change with confirmation from Audi chairman Rupert Stadler that it’s something they’re looking at.
“I can’t answer that,” he replied, when asked by AutoExpress whether Audi would be on the grid within five years.
But when pressed on the matter, he added: “It’s something we’re looking at, but then we’re always looking at it and many other things. But I can’t say yes or no.”
Whilst it’s certainly not a firm answer, Stadler didn’t deny the growing rumours of Audi’s potential involvement.
The Volkswagen owned brand is favourite to join the grid following the resignation of group boss Ferdinand Piech, often considered a blockade to Audi’s involvement.
Insiders within Audi and parent company VAG have previously revealed that the former is being pushed toward exiting Germany’s touring car championship (DTM) as well as Endurance Racing, freeing up its marketing budget for Formula 1.
Whilst that wouldn’t be enough to fund an F1 team, additional funding could come from Red Bull.
Former-Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo revealed that Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz is trying to convice Audi to buy out the Milton Keynes team, or possibly its sister team Toro Rosso. It’s believed Mateschitz has promised sponsorship funds to aid Audi’s entry.
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