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Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren MCL36, leads Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo C42
Prime
Opinion

Is F1 poised for a copy of motorsport's most famous grudge match?

OPINION: Over the years motorsport has witnessed iconic rivalries, some of which resurface every so often to remind us of past hostilities. Think Ford vs Ferrari or Senna vs Prost. But could an all-new conflict between two of the biggest brands in racing be heading to Formula 1?

Prepare to stand down, Le Mans '66. You've served motorsport wonderfully well for nearly 60 years, inspired some of the most beautiful cars ever built and even managed to break into the mainstream with a Hollywood blockbuster. But your time as the ultimate racing revenge story could be under threat. For, much like Henry Ford II, it seems as though Audi has not taken too kindly to having its offer to buy a sportscar manufacturer rejected.

The pandemic pushed McLaren too close to the brink. In 2020, it took out a £ 150 million loan with the National Bank of Bahrain, offered its Norman Foster-designed Technology Centre for sale, made 1200 people redundant and sold a £185m stake in the Formula 1 team to US consortium MSP Sport Capital. As for the Automotive arm, it was forced to delay the launch of its critical Artura hybrid road car owing to development drama and a chip shortage.

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Motorsport prime

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Edition

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