Monday 15th November 2021
Formula 1 entry from VW?
Audi rumor angered the traditional racing team
The Volkswagen Group is probably working on entering Formula 1. The Wolfsburg-based strategy still seems unclear: Which brands will be represented in the premier class? Audi is a hot candidate, at least for the trade press. All of this is going to be way too wild for a traditional racing team.
The McLaren Group has sharply rejected a media report on an alleged takeover by Audi against the background of a possible Formula 1 entry. “The McLaren Group is aware of a media report that says it was sold to Audi. This is completely inaccurate and McLaren is trying to have the story removed,” said the British sports car manufacturer.
“Autocar” in Great Britain had reported, with reference to a source not named, that Audi had bought the entire McLaren group. The German manufacturer has also secured entry into the premier class of motorsport through the Formula 1 team of the same name.
“McLaren’s technology strategy has always included ongoing discussion and collaboration with relevant partners and suppliers, including other automobile manufacturers, but the ownership structure of the McLaren Group has not changed,” it said. An Audi spokesman said of the takeover speculation: “No comment. We do not comment on rumors and water level reports.”
Against the background of the planned new Formula 1 engine regulations from 2026, there is speculation about the entry of the VW subsidiaries Audi and Porsche. There was rumor that Audi could buy McLaren and Porsche could work with Red Bull. The trade magazine “Auto, Motor und Sport” recently reported that VW, Audi and Porsche first had to clarify the fundamental question of whether they would even get into Formula 1. “And if so, with Audi and Porsche in a double pack or just with one of the two brands.”