Audi in prime position to buy McLaren before entering 2026?

News from Formula 1: It’s been a few busy days on the F1 front for Porsche and Audi as the VW Group’s sub-brands get closer and closer to seal the deal with the top F1 bosses. In addition, Porsche will adorn the F1 paddock with its presence in 2026.

The VW Group has long been associated with potential F1 Entry and timing have never been as good as this year.

Earlier this year it was reported that McLaren was deeply in debt and has already sold most of its racing unit to make up for the losses caused by the pandemic.

With this knowledge, Audi could become a savior and make life easier for itself as it finds a way to get into F1 easily and without spending too much money.

Formula 1 news: how will it happen?

As we have already reported, Porsche and Audi would like to set foot in the F1 world in 2026 thanks to the new engine regulations.

However, it is said that the two carmakers also have different ideas about how they want to drive this forward.

British journalist Joe Saward shares: “Audi and Porsche seem to have different ideas, the first suggesting the purchase of a team and the second being more interested in an exclusive partnership with an existing team along the lines of Mercedes with McLaren before some years.”

Now it is very likely that Audi will reflect the first scenario and buy up McLaren, because in the second scenario Porsche is as good as confirmed to enter into a partnership with Williams.

On top of that, it might even be a much bigger thing than it sounds, as it would also mean Audi is getting / sharing the knowledge of technology and road vehicles with McLaren itself.

Furthermore, Audi cannot go to Alfa Romeo either as it has a contract to sign of itself (Andretti) so the only viable option is McLaren.

Formula 1 news: which team should drive it?

The current McLaren boss Andreas Seidl happens to be the former head of motorsport at Porsche, so it’s a bit strange that Audi is shooting for McLaren instead of Porsche for the first time.

Nonetheless, it will definitely happen as McLaren would have no problem dropping Mercedes again should it be asked to.

At this point everything is more of a secret, but Red Bull boss Christian Horner is open to a partnership with an automaker.

“If an exciting partner is there, then of course it makes sense to deal with it very seriously, be it an OEM or another partner.”

Formula 1 news: future for Porsche & Audi

The future looks bright and green for both manufacturers. Mainly for Porsche, but since it develops synthetic fuel for its 911, which also happens to be marketed by F1.

Since both manufacturers have the same parent company, the VW Group and Audi could also benefit from it.

Now we just have to wait and see what the latest update has to say, but I say this with the utmost certainty – get ready to see Porsche & Audi in F1 soon.