'Audi takeover of McLaren not yet complete, Porsche looks to Red Bull'

The story that Autocar brought out has now been denied by McLaren. The aforementioned German medium states after doing some research: "A takeover is a possible scenario. However, the matter has not been settled yet - and the story is therefore false."

The Volkswagen Group does seem to have tied the knot in the meantime that they wants to join Formula 1. Audi and Porsche are candidates to do so, but that the two brands will both be admired in motorsport's premier class from 2026 is not a certainty. "It is also almost certain that, although rumours are circulating that the entry could possibly even be made with the group's two brands, the entry will only be made with one brand, if at all."

That we will see Porsche and Audi in Formula 1 is certainly not an established fact. Audi has its sights set on McLaren, while Porsche would like to team up with Red Bull Racing. The Volkswagen Group wants to win immediately so only McLaren and Red Bull are options to work with. Mercedes and Ferrari are both factory teams and other teams are not competitive enough.

For that reason partnerships (despite earlier rumours) with Alfa Romeo and Williams for example are ruled out, according to Motorsport-Total.com. "They have too big a technological gap to the top of Formula 1 to be attractive to Volkswagen."