Deal in excess of $700 million could bring Audi to F1 in 2026.
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McLaren’s Formula 1 team is expected to sign an incredible EUR 650 million (approximately $712 million) deal with Audi.Following reports the Volkwagen-owned brand was in talks for a EUR 500 million ($550 million) technical and engine deal with McLaren, German media outlet Automobilwoche claims the offer has now reached a new level.
Bloomberg reported that a letter of intent could be signed as early as Monday, with Red Bull also said to be close to a F1 deal with another VW brand, Porsche.
Before McLaren potentially teams up with Audi from 2026, however, Woking-based team is notably struggling with its all-new 2022 car.
“We just don’t have enough performance,” team boss Andreas Seidl told European outlet motorsport-magazin.com. “There is no specific origin—the car works and the base is good. We just lack grip.
“We know we have a performance problem and that’s what we’re focusing on. Our development over the past three years has been very good, now we are being put to the test.”
Seidl admitted that McLaren is currently “conducting an important analysis of the whole aerodynamic concept.”
McLaren enters this week’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix a disappointing eighth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship standings, leading just scoreless Aston Martin and Williams. McLaren finished a strong fourth out of 10 teams a year ago.
McLaren is the world’s most popular F1 team, according to a fan survey commissioned in 2021.
Keyword: Audi Reportedly Ready to Cast F1 Lot with McLaren