McLaren F1 considering acquisition of BMW F1 engine ops

[Ian]

McLaren F1 considering acquisition of BMW F1 engine ops

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Oct 3rd, 2009 at 5:05PM


McLaren's Formula One cars have been powered by Mercedes-Benz engines since 1995, but that could soon come to an end. The relationship between Daimler and McLaren has become increasingly strained over the past two years, following the Spygate scandal and the automaker's decision to have AMG build the SLS.

With BMW withdrawing from Formula One at the close of this season, the hot rumor in the paddock at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend is that McLaren chairman Ron Dennis is considering scooping up rival BMW F1's engine-building operations. Mercedes supplies engines to the this year's likely champions, the Brawn team, and a split with McLaren would allow MB to concentrate its efforts there.

McLaren's Middle Eastern investors reportedly support the move, which would allow the team to join Ferrari, Renault (if the French team remains in F1) and Toyota in building its own chassis and engine. Apparently, BMW's deal to sell the Sauber F1 team doesn't include the engine operation in Munich, leaving McLaren free to make its move.

SOURCE: Autoblog

[stuartm1]

This is interesting. When I first heard that Mercedes were interested in buying into Brawn and that McLaren were more than happy with it I couldn't understand why.

McLaren must be concerned that their partnership with Mercedes may suffer if Brawn come come onboard or are worried that Mercedes may be planning to ditch them in the longer term for Brawn.

It'd be more difficult financially for McLaren to go it alone but if anyone can do it Ron Dennis can. I think Ron's been wanting to develop the McLaren group for quite a while and this along with the new sportscar may just be the beginning.

[MGROVERnut]

Would be awfull PR for Mercedes if they swap teams only for Mclaren to win the title without using a Mercedes engines.

Makes sense from a Mclaren point of view if they can get the engines right, but if BMW's people struggled to make a fast enough engine would the same people be able to do it for Mclaren? (assuming that BMW's current problems are mainly with the engine and not the body).

[Dean Carr]

Originally Posted by MGROVERnut

Would be awfull PR for Mercedes if they swap teams only for Mclaren to win the title without using a Mercedes engines.

Makes sense from a Mclaren point of view if they can get the engines right, but if BMW's people struggled to make a fast enough engine would the same people be able to do it for Mclaren? (assuming that BMW's current problems are mainly with the engine and not the body).

I think Monza 2009 would agree

[climbsyke]

Why would Mclaren do such a thing? Mercedes own a large chunk of Mclaren and if they pulled out Mclaren would be on their knees! What a NON story.

[Kryt]

McLaren hasn't always been Mercedes based don't forgot

[Chris T]

It's quite clear that McLaren relationship with MB is winding down and with McLaren's new road car has a McLaren engine then this could make a lot of marketing sense.

[MGROVERnut]

Originally Posted by climbsyke

Why would Mclaren do such a thing? Mercedes own a large chunk of Mclaren and if they pulled out Mclaren would be on their knees! What a NON story.

Actually they also have some big investors in the middle East

[Randyjim]

Originally Posted by MGROVERnut

Actually they also have some big investors in the middle East

It's not quadbak is it?

Interesting to see Martin Whitmarsh being quoted as 'worried about BMW's F1 future'. I wouldn't have thought it was relevant to him.

[patpending]

Originally Posted by Randyjim

It's not quadbak is it?

Interesting to see Martin Whitmarsh being quoted as 'worried about BMW's F1 future'. I wouldn't have thought it was relevant to him.

what an interesting story.

I'm just about remembering who Quadbike are...um related to the rescue of the B*W Sauber team!

We may all remember how B*W pointed at Mercedes

for having their engines made on the island. But the B*W engines have not proved Teutonic superiority!

Where are they made? Munich?

[mutleyeng]

Originally Posted by climbsyke

Why would Mclaren do such a thing? Mercedes own a large chunk of Mclaren and if they pulled out Mclaren would be on their knees! What a NON story.

i do agree with you that i think this is a non story. i dont agree mercedes seperating from mclaren would harm them though...not a bit.
mercedes are obliged to supply mclaren engines for a further two years. so far as their shares, they are very unlikely to be in a position where they can just offload them to anyone who wishes to buy them...it will likely only be to mclaren approved buyers or they just have to keep them.
mercedes have spent vast sums of money on mclaren infrastructure, but thats been spent now, they dont need mercedes money for operating costs. over the next few years the two companies will sererate as brands....no doubt about that. you might even see mclaren racing in orange within a couple of years. its just business...merc and mclaren will be competitors in the high end car market, thats all its about