The rumours of the Volkswagen group entering Formula One through Audi and Porsche gained heat in the last few months. But according to recent reports, Volkswagen, or more specifically, Audi, might just have ‘bought’ their way into F1 through McLaren.

The German automobile giant has reportedly bought the McLaren Group to ensure they have the best way forward into Formula One, according to Autocar. It is reported that Audi doubled down on their offer to McLaren’s major shareholders from Bahrain.

However, the economics or specific terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed yet.

It was earlier reported that McLaren will partner up with McLaren as Volkswagen was considering putting two of its subsidiary brands, the other being Porsche into F1 as OEMs from 2026.

But this news of Audi buying McLaren Group should come at least as a relief for the struggling British brand.

This deal will give some breathing air to McLaren, who was operating under extreme financial pressures. Their CEO for eight years, Mike Flewitt, also stepped down last month.

From Audi’s perspective, this deal will work incredibly well in their favour. Along with Lamborghini, McLaren will be the second super-car brand under the German company. But another aspect of this deal could be key to their much talked about F1 entry.

What does this takeover mean for Audi’s hopes of Formula One & McLaren?

With Audi acquiring the McLaren Group, they’ll also gain access to the British company’s much-coveted McLaren Arm, a specialized department that works in developing electrification systems of road cars and track cars.

This could be an extremely important piece of their bid to join Formula One, as the sport will enter a new era from 2026 in form of a completely new power unit. The new engine will drop the MGU-H and aim to increase the output from MGU-K.

The other Volkswagen brand, Porsche, is also a front runner as an OEM for 2026. But they’re linked with Red Bull and it’s very unlikely that they will buy their way into F1 like its sister team.

Especially when Red Bull is self-reliant for PU from next season in form of the Red Bull Powertrains project.

The specifics of the Audi takeover, as well as the ‘official’ announcement of Volkswagen entering F1, could come soon with a meeting scheduled for this very matter in the coming days.

*Subsequently, the McLaren Group issued an official statement denying this report as rumours.

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