McLaren issued Monday a statement discrediting recent reports it was sold to Audi. However, there is still the possibility of a tie-up between these two companies.
I have cited two sources who are familiar with this matter. ReutersAudi reported Wednesday that it was discussing a tie up with McLaren during its last board meeting.
Audi’s final decision on Formula One’s plan to incorporate synthetic fuels in 2026 will be determined by McLaren’s progress in electrifying their supercars. One of the sources said that this was what Audi would ultimately decide.
Audi said it was open to cooperating opportunities but did not mention a particular partner, when Reuters reached out to Audi.
In those reports, BMW was also mentioned as having an interest in McLaren’s Supercar Division. Audi focuses solely on McLaren F1 Team, while BMW, in a statement, denied that it had any interest.
2022 Audi R8
McLaren, majority-owned by the sovereign wealth of Bahrain, is in financial trouble since the outbreak. McLaren, which is majority owned by the sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, has been in financial difficulties since then. It fired employees and sold important assets such as its Woking headquarters and McLaren Applied tech business. The F1 team also held a minority stake. McLaren also received additional investments from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
However, it has become a hot topic that Audi’s Volkswagen Group parent is looking at entering F1 as a power-unit supplier. F1 is set to introduce new rules for power units in 2026. The VW Group wants both Porsche and Audi to join the sport.
There have been reports that VW Group is in exploratory talks about power unit sales with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing.
McLaren is currently using a Mercedes-Benz AMG engine, however the team does have a relationship with VW Group. Andreas Seidl is the Team Principal. He was the former head of Porsche’s motorsport division. In addition to running the LMP1 programme in the World Endurance Championship, he also ran it. Not to be forgotten, Stefano Domenicali is the F1 CEO. He was also previously Head of Lamborghini for VW Group.
There will likely be synergies with McLaren’s supercar brand and those of VW Group, should any deals occur. It includes Bugatti Lamborghini Porsche.
