McLaren F1 CEO Admits to Volkswagen Talks as He Makes Red Bull-Porsche Revelation

Rumors have it that Audi and Porche might enter Formula 1 soon, with a possible Mclaren partnership on the table. Reports earlier this month suggested Volkswagen group will meet a decision at a supervisory council meeting by end of February. McLaren F1 CEO Zak Brown told the reporters in Woking that talks are underway, but no decision has been made.

Moreover, Audi’s decision to set foot in Formula 1 will rest on the sports’ ambitious plan to switch to synthetic fuels by 2026, as per Reuters. Recent numbers from Alpine show a tremendous rise in their market presence after a year of rebranding their F1 team. The likes of Audi and Porsche can also create a new business unit with the goal of boosting sales by harnessing its powerful image.

This will open a path for them to develop internationally. A news leak earlier this week even suggested a possible takeover of British giant Mclaren by the Volkswagen group. However, the two companies declined the rumors. The German carmakers are in conversations with Mclaren, however, not just with them, as per Brown.

Volkswagen group is having discussions with the 2021 drivers’ champion team Red Bull as well. There might be a handful of others on the grid who might be interested in a potential partnership with the German motor giants.

Watch Story: From Prince to the Queen: When F1 Stars Interacted With the Royal Family

McLaren F1 is in talks with the Volkswagen group

Zak Brown recently had a media briefing in Woking. He discussed the partnership plan with the Audi front and various other prospects. As per Reuters, Brown agreed that McLaren is also in talks with said group, among others, including Red Bull.

“I am hearing they (Volkswagen) are going to do something with Red Bull on the Porsche front,” said Brown. ‘I think they’ve spoken with a handful of people on the grid and as you would imagine we have had conversations but in the short term and medium term, we’re very happy where we are.”

Mercedes is supplying engines to Mclaren and they will continue to do so until the new generation of power units are introduced in 2026. However, the men from Woking will re-evaluate their engine suppliers at the end of 2025 if Volkswagen decides to take a plunge.

“I think that’s not been definitively decided and if they do (enter), we have a contract (with Mercedes) through this term. Naturally, we’re going to evaluate where we are and who’s in the sport and take a decision on what we’re going to do in 2026 in due course,” added the American. 

For now, the teams are going ahead with preparations for the upcoming 2022 season. Drivers will be back on the grid in February for the winter testing. The much-awaited 2022 season will kick-start in Bahrain a month later. Meanwhile, the potential F1 entrants will reach a decision by the second quarter of this year.

Read More- Ex-Karting Sensation Who Defeated Russell & Mingled With Lewis Hamilton Set for 2022 NFL Draft