McLaren refuses to sell to Audi and remain on the grid

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O Volkswagen Group is struggling for the German manufacturer and its sister brand Porsche to enter formula 1 from 2026. When Porsche seems ready to join red cowAudi’s plans are very uncertain as they are still exploring their options.

The company spoke to McLaren and one option assessed was a full takeover of the team which would have resulted in Audi becoming an official F1 team. Audi’s entry would cause the event of the McLaren name to completely disappear from GP racing.

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When asked by Motorsport.com if there was a possibility of a full sale, Zak Brown he said, “No, no. Our shareholders are very committed to McLaren. “We have had talks with Audi and we are not sold. We are very committed to our future and we are doing very well on the track.

“The shareholders are making a big investment to give our team the resources we need to get back to the front, and commercially we are doing very well. Team morale is very good. We have no intention of selling the racing team.” He added: “We are McLaren F1. That is what we will remain, and we will continue to own a racing team.”

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing

Photo by: Alexander Trienitz

Brown’s confidence in McLaren’s future is based on improving the team’s financial situation, which has changed after a severe cash crunch at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our conditions for any cooperation will be that we retain ownership of the race team. And if someone wants to negotiate other than that, there will be no negotiations.”

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