The McLaren Group has categorically denied a news report which stated it has been subject of a takeover by Audi, however according to sources, the idea of a partnership was floated during an Audi board meeting this week.
On Monday Autocar reported Audi had purchased the McLaren Group and would take full control over the company's road car and racing operations, including the McLaren F1 team.
The McLaren Group put out a statement several hours later saying: "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."
On Wednesday, sources told Reuters a decision on a potential partnership between Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, and McLaren was discussed at Audi's supervisory board meeting but a decision may not be reached until next year.
Volkswagen is in talks with Formula One about a future entry. F1 hopes its next set of engine regulations, set for introduction in 2025, will help entice the manufacturer to join.
According to Motorsport.com, Audi said that it was considering it's future options with Volkswagen looking at options around either an Audi entry with McLaren or a Porsche entry with Red Bull. "In the course of our strategic deliberations, we are constantly evaluating various ideas for cooperations."
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.