Has the chance of VW/Audi coming to F1 evaporated?
Discussion
VW has put aside a fund of €6.5bn (approximately £4.7bn) to cover the costs of dealing with the issue and can expect a fine of a lot more than that.VW net profits in 2014 was about $12 billion so this episode will cost them more than a years profits.
Thats just America have they been naughty in any other countries where they sell cars.Yhe EU have started looking in to the issue.
I cannot see VW entering F1 with all this going on and anyway do not think they will be very good at it as they were caught by some kids in an American University doing some tests and tipping off the authorities.
Thats just America have they been naughty in any other countries where they sell cars.Yhe EU have started looking in to the issue.
I cannot see VW entering F1 with all this going on and anyway do not think they will be very good at it as they were caught by some kids in an American University doing some tests and tipping off the authorities.
mollytherocker said:
Surely there is no chance now with what has come to light over the last week?
It would be commercial suicide wouldnt it?
Or could be the perfect time, such a decision would help deflect away some of the bad publicity.It would be commercial suicide wouldnt it?
Although, quite why the world seems to be so indignant about what's happened is quite baffling, but just highlights how stupidly naïve job public and the media are about....well most things really
Depends on the size of the financial fall out but getting stuck into F1 could be an effective way to win back reputation.
The flip side is that if the financial hit his big enough, it could jeopardise their existing involvement across the VAG including the Audi WEC and DTM programmes.
The flip side is that if the financial hit his big enough, it could jeopardise their existing involvement across the VAG including the Audi WEC and DTM programmes.
By nature I'm pessimistic and cynical. I think we're looking at the tip of the iceberg with the Diesel emissions. Either all diesel car makers have been doing this, in which case they're all in some deep and similar trouble. Or it's just VW, in which case they've got a decade of trying to build themselves up again - if they survive.
Either way they won't be in F1 next year. Doubt they ever were going to be.
I'm more worried that things will quickly snowball for them around the world (remember even Ratners comments took a while to destroy his company). It's more likely that they won't be competing in any Motorsport anywhere in a year or two.
ETA: Given Red Bull's tendency to whinge about their engine partners (both present and potential), can anyone imagine the Board at VAG signing up any sort of deal that is likely to include criticism. No.
Either way they won't be in F1 next year. Doubt they ever were going to be.
I'm more worried that things will quickly snowball for them around the world (remember even Ratners comments took a while to destroy his company). It's more likely that they won't be competing in any Motorsport anywhere in a year or two.
ETA: Given Red Bull's tendency to whinge about their engine partners (both present and potential), can anyone imagine the Board at VAG signing up any sort of deal that is likely to include criticism. No.
Edited by suffolk009 on Wednesday 23 September 12:50
oyster said:
This.
Why do so many 'column inches' of threads get used up talking about VW/Audi and Formula 1?
Agreed. Why do so many 'column inches' of threads get used up talking about VW/Audi and Formula 1?
And to answer your question - Why do so many talk about making Gold from base metal? Because it is a holy grail, like getting VW on the F1 grid.
Anyone who has been around the car and motorsport game for long enough knows that VW Group are as likely to go into F1 as Williams is to release a mid range family hatchback - could happen but is unlikely so long as the sun is still in the sky. Talking up the prospects of VW Group entering F1 though is good for business.
Right now they would be mad to do so though. VW have won the WRC this year and are certain to win the WEC with one of their toys. VW needs F1 far, far less than F1 wants VW.
Whilst entering F1? They'd need to leave WEC, or Audi would in order to move the budget around. Or because of the scandal? It won't affect Porsche and doubt will dent Audi that much. The talk is about VW and not its sub-brands regardless of which models are affected.
Audi will not enter F1 with Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich as head of Audi Sport. But he'll retire or be retired and at that point who knows? The current EJ rumours are the usual kite flying apparently.
I asked Joe Saward at his audience in London if was true that Audi had made an offer for Red Bull in the summer and he said no (and he's pretty well informed). It's possible that someone has an idea floating around with all the politics in these big companies.
And Domenicali as TP? Even more doubtful. He's a jolly nice guy but don't see the Germans sticking with the traditional TP role a la Ferrari. More like WEC with the engineers taking a leading role.
Audi will not enter F1 with Dr. Wolfgang Ulrich as head of Audi Sport. But he'll retire or be retired and at that point who knows? The current EJ rumours are the usual kite flying apparently.
I asked Joe Saward at his audience in London if was true that Audi had made an offer for Red Bull in the summer and he said no (and he's pretty well informed). It's possible that someone has an idea floating around with all the politics in these big companies.
And Domenicali as TP? Even more doubtful. He's a jolly nice guy but don't see the Germans sticking with the traditional TP role a la Ferrari. More like WEC with the engineers taking a leading role.
rubystone said:
I wonder whether Winterkorn might fall on his sword...and if he does, would Piech, whose family still has a substantial shareholding, find himself back in the driving seat? Either way, I'd imagine any plans VW had entertained of entering F1 must now be firmly on hold?
Unsure if Piech will come back. I think he's pissed off everybody 
. Wolfgang Porsche should definitely do an effort to appease both sides of the family. He's the reason why Winterkorn is still around and the current diesel strategy in the US.What's so funny about this (although it's not really funny) is that they may now need to develop a petrol engine and kill the diesel for good. And entering F1 would be good for that
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