McLaren dismiss ‘wholly inaccurate’ Audi takeover talk

Mark Scott
McLaren logo. 2021

A general view of the McLaren logo during day one of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. 2021

McLaren have moved quickly to categorically deny the entire company has been sold to Audi, saying the rumour is “wholly inaccurate”.

On Monday morning following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, a report emerged from Autocar which claimed ‘a source’ had told them that ‘Audi has bought the entire McLaren Group with plans to enter its own team in Formula 1’.

But, that report was shut down by McLaren Group within a couple of hours, who issued the following statement:

McLaren Group is aware of a news media report stating it has been sold to Audi. This is wholly inaccurate and McLaren is seeking to have the story removed.

“McLaren’s technology strategy has always involved ongoing discussions and collaboration with relevant partners and suppliers, including other carmakers, however, there has been no change in the ownership structure of the McLaren Group.”

Volkswagen Group have been heavily involved in the various rounds of ongoing discussions with regards to Formula 1’s new direction with their engines, due to arrive in 2026.

Accompanying those talks have been a steady stream of rumours which all speculate just how much involvement the likes of Porsche and Audi will have if they do ultimately decide to join Formula 1 in the years to come.

The noise surrounding Porsche, Audi and Formula 1 will quieten following McLaren’s statement, but we are far from hearing the last of their names being attached to the ‘pinnacle of motorsport’.

And they did not shut down talk of taking over a team completely.

“As part of our strategic considerations, we are constantly looking at various cooperation ideas,” said an Audi spokesperson in response to the Autocar report.

Prior to Autocar’s initial report, German publication Auto Motor und Sport stated that McLaren currently had ‘no intention’ of selling up.