Audi-McLaren partnership still on, meetings imminent – report
Despite a flat denial from McLaren, it appears a partnership with – or even buyout from – German car maker Audi is still on the cards.
Audi’s board will discuss a takeover of struggling supercar maker McLaren in the coming days, according to a new report from Reuters.
The acquisition would likely see German luxury car maker enter Formula One in 2026 via the British marque's team, potentially as an engine supplier.
Earlier this week Autocar claimed an agreement had already been finalised. However, McLaren subsequently denied these reports: “This is wholly inaccurate … there has been no change in [our] ownership structure.”
The British supercar brand has struggled financially for some time, and last year was forced to sell off its Woking headquarters. Various historic McLaren Formula One cars – including at least two driven by reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton – have also come up for auction this year, likely on behalf of the manufacturer.
Last month McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt unexpectedly stood down from the top job, without giving a reason for the decision.
Mr Flewitt had previously claimed the brand would never build an SUV under his leadership – something that would likely be mandated, should McLaren come under the wider Volkswagen Group's brand portfolio.
Drive has contacted spokespeople for Audi and McLaren in Australia. This story will be updated if more information becomes available.
If the German car maker does buy McLaren, it would become the second supercar maker in Audi's stable alongside Lamborghini (which it has owned since 1998).
Porsche, Bugatti and electric hypercar specialist Rimac are also affiliated with the wider Volkswagen Group.