McLaren Group has responded to reports that it has been sold to Audi, describing the claim as "wholly inaccurate".

In a brief statement, the McLaren Group said:

"McLaren Group is aware of a news media report stating it has been sold to Audi. This is wholly inaccurate and McLaren is seeking to have the story removed.

"McLaren's technology strategy has always involved ongoing discussions and collaboration with relevant partners and suppliers, including other carmakers, however, there has been no change in the ownership structure of the McLaren Group."

Earlier this morning, Autocar reported that Audi had bought McLaren in a deal that "gives the German manufacturer complete control over the whole group and secures it an entry into Formula 1".

"The change of ownership should secure the future of McLaren, which has been operating under heavy financial pressures despite an injection of capital late last year following a refinancing worth up to £500 million," added the Autocar report.

"From an F1 point of view, the deal ensures the Volkswagen Group, which owns Audi, now has direct access to an entry into grand prix racing," said Autocar. "Volkswagen has been involved in discussions over the specification of a new F1 powertrain due for introduction mid-decade and has been openly considering a commitment to the pinnacle of motorsport.

“The deal does not necessarily close the door on a Porsche entry to F1, either. The Audi sibling brand is also considering a return to F1, as new motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach told Autocar recently."

Unbelievably, Autocar has since amended the article, which included a number of inaccuracies - apart from the obvious - to include McLaren's statement though it fails to make any apology for the "wholly inaccurate" content of the original.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Egalitarian, 17/11/2021 6:19

"Audi? Oh well, unlike public roads, at least an F1 track is an entirely appropriate place to drive right up another car's tail."

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2. Posted by kenji, 16/11/2021 0:13

"@ Bill Hopgood....what? WEC was their most successful challenges in the modern era, not to take away the importance of the Ducati wins. "

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3. Posted by BillH, 15/11/2021 18:04

"I'd have expected VW / Audi to return to WRC rather than embarking on F1 as WRC is their more natural fit and a bigger bang for buck.
With diesel gate becoming a distant memory who knows what VW / Audi will look at next?
Their most successful venture to date ironically is support of the winning MotoGP team and manufacturer."

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4. Posted by nnails, 15/11/2021 15:32

"These turbo hybrid engines bankrupted so many teams. "

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5. Posted by kenji, 15/11/2021 14:23

"Where there's smoke .....
"

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6. Posted by Jet Jockey, 15/11/2021 14:21

"So if it is not "wholly inaccurate", does this mean some of the story is accurate and which part?"

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7. Posted by Jet Jockey, 15/11/2021 14:20

"So if it is not "wholly inaccurate", does this mean some of the sorry is accurate and which part?"

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Reports of McLaren Group sale "wholly inaccurate"

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