Ron Dennis has suggested that the remaining 60% of McLaren may be sold to the team’s engine partner Mercedes-Benz in the near future. Mercedes already own 40% of the team through a deal forged in 1999, and it currently is the only carmaker who don’t own their entire Formula 1 team.

“If an opportunity presents itself and can make McLaren better, it is supported by its management and I embrace it,” Dennis explained. “But I would never endorse a simple exit strategy. We have some really exciting programmes outside our Formula 1 team and want the company to grow.”

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