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Opinion

The sliding doors moment that saved Red Bull and Porsche

OPINION: Everything looked set for Red Bull and Porsche to join forces for the 2026 season, before the marriage between both parties was called off. While at the time it looked like a major coup for Formula 1 in gaining both VW Group powerhouses Audi and Porsche for 2026, Red Bull and Porsche have really been spared a potentially fractious relationship.

The festive period is generally regarded as a time to be with friends and family. But Red Bull probably appreciates being all by itself just now. Better that than try to struggle on with a relationship where there’s irreconcilable difference or seek a divorce. However, behind a set of sliding doors, that’s a scenario which was very nearly presented to the constructors’ champion.

A close call with a winter of discontent was inspired by events at the height of summer. In July of this year, all eyes were on a trip to Austria. With the German Grand Prix falling off the Formula 1 calendar after 2019, it was on Red Bull home turf that a partnership with Porsche would be announced.

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