It appears that Porsche did a lot more than just consider entering Formula 1 in the very near future, as the German automaker even went as far as to build and test an engine that would adhere to 2021 regulations.
The project however stalled when VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) decided to cancel its World Endurance Championship LMP1 project in favor of entering Formula E. Prior to that, Porsche had already began working on an F1-compatible six-cylinder engine.
“In 2017 there were signals from Formula 1 that the regulations were to be changed and that energy recovery from the exhaust gases [the MGU-H] was no longer required, said Porsche motorsport boss Fritz Enzinger in an interview with Autosport.
“As of 2017, Porsche was a member of the FIA Manufacturers Commission and was involved in the discussions about the future drive strategy in Formula 1 from 2021 and represented at the meetings. On the one hand, we took part in these working groups. On the other hand, the guys developed a six-cylinder for the WEC in parallel.”
“Of course, we thought about what would have to change if the engine were to be used in Formula 1. Such things can be done in two ways.”
Also read: Mercedes Would Welcome A Porsche Return To Formula One
Despite focusing on Formula E, Enzinger says that the six-cylinder engine concept was still pursued since an F1 engine without the MGU-H unit could still work in a potential super sports car model.
The Porsche exec also stated that the six-cylinder engine “is complete and running on the test bench,” with a team of “20 to 25 technicians” using it for “analyses and further orders with regards to series relevance.”
“If it had been decided to send Porsche 2021 to Formula 1, we would have made it [the engine] the way we did in 2018.”
