Audi may be considering other teams if the deal is not completed.
Unidentified sources familiar with Audi’s plans for Formula 1 participation said that McLaren purchasing is less likely. Unnamed contacts explained that the price expectations between the companies is too high at this time.
VW Group CEO Herbert Diess announced that both Audi (and Porsche) plan to join Formula One in the 2026 season. This news confirms months-old rumors that both Porsche and Audi will be participating in Formula One.
Diess stated that Porsche and Audi would both join Formula One because this highly competitive market is the best way to promote their luxury brands. According to the VW Group CEO, the 2026 regulations changes will be the ideal time to join the sport. F1 plans to gradually introduce fully sustainable fuels for their internal combustion engines. This is in line with VW Group’s focus green technology.
Both Audi and Porsche are working on their engines for the 2026 F1 Season. It is not clear how they will join the starting grid.
Rumours suggest that Porsche could join Red Bull Racing as an engine supplier, replacing Honda, who recently left F1 after Max Verstappen won in the World Drivers’ Champion.
Rumours suggested that Audi would invest large in McLaren F1 to acquire a controlling stake. They also hoped to supply the new engine. McLaren F1 currently uses an engine from Mercedes-AMG.
According to Automotive News Europe, this exciting prospect appears to be in peril. Pricing has been a sticking point between McLaren Audi. Rumours claim that the Four Rings company is also considering Alfa Romeo, an independent Sauber team which uses Ferrari engines.
Mike Krack, Aston Martin’s team boss, said that he didn’t rule out the possibility of a tie-up. “I think it’s super attractive for any team without a manufacturer on its side.