HAMBURG -- Volkswagen Group is likely to give the go-ahead for group brands Porsche and Audi to make their entry into motor racing's Formula One at a meeting next week, two sources familiar with the matter said.
"We will hopefully be able to communicate our intention to enter into Formula One then," one of the sources said on Thursday, with the second adding there was a "good chance" of a positive decision.
VW declined to comment.
There has long been talk of Audi and Porsche forming partnerships with existing Formula One teams, their most likely method of entry into the highest class of international racing.
Audi and McLaren denied reports last year that a partnership had already been formed but said that it was under discussion, with a decision to be expected this year.
Audi will offer around 500 million euros ($556.30 million) for McLaren, one source said, while Porsche intends to establish a long-term partnership with racing team Red Bull starting in several years' time.
VW has not previously been involved in F1 but has worked with Red Bull, notably in the world rally championship.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said its F1 team was "definitely not for sale" and also was not looking for further equity partners.
McLaren uses Mercedes engines but that could change when the sport introduces a new power unit in 2026.
Brown said there had been some "very preliminary" conversations with VW in the past but nothing agreed.
"If they decide (to come in) then there's a conversation to be had but at this point we don't want to have any conversations until we know someone is committed to the sport," he said.
A source told Reuters in November that VW's ultimate decision will rest on whether F1 follows through on its plans to switch to synthetic fuels by 2026, and on McLaren's progress regarding electrification of its vehicles.
VW has invested the most of any global automaker by far in electric vehicle production and batteries in an attempt to clean up its image from the diesel-emissions scandal and remain in line with governmental carbon reduction targets.
The decision comes as VW grapples with the uncertainty of the impact of the Ukraine war on its finances, which will also be discussed at next Thursday's meeting.
