A McLaren-Apple hook up has been rumored. The Formula 1 team McLaren has denied reports that Apple has made an approach to it regarding a possible buyout or investment offer. According to the UK Financial Times, talks have been going on for some time. It’s not often that the FT gets things totally wrong, but McLaren is suggesting that.
The company stated that it is not in discussion with Apple with respect to a potential investment. However, it went on to say that it regularly has ‘confidential conversations with a wide range of parties.’
According to the Financial Times, in any McLaren-Apple hook up, Apple would pay McLaren up to £1.5 billion for the motor racing company. Alternatively, it would invest in part of it. Apparently, the reason for this is to accelerate Apple’s automotive projects. According to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) McLaren and Apple have been discussing the Apple car although nothing had come of the discussions.
There are several reasons why a McLaren-Apple hook up would be of benefit to Apple. McLaren may also benefit from Apple’s software expertise. McLaren has a sister company known as McLaren Applied Technologies, and perhaps that is what Apple wants.
In-racing data analytics is a strong feature of McLaren and most other top racing car teams. The type of modeling McLaren uses on the track can be used in cities to make quick decisions on traffic flow and how a hold-up in one place can affect traffic miles away.
All of this would assist in the development of the Apple driverless car. It’s no secret that Apple has big designs in that area. McLaren’s predictive analytics could certainly help in maintaining safety in a driverless vehicle.
Apple has invested heavily into the Didi Chuxing ride-sharing app, the Chinese answer to Uber and Lyft. It still needs technology for its driverless car plans and McLaren could be ideal.
Most car manufacturers update their vehicles once every 5-7 years. Apple updates its products annually. However, McLaren updates its vehicles several times a week during F1 practice.
McLaren’s rapid response to incidents and regular service has greatly impressed Apple. Apple is particularly interested in acquiring this technology and skill-set.
McLaren, particularly McLaren Applied Technologies, is likely of interest to Apple for its work on the driverless car. It may save Apple years of development to get its hands on McLaren technology. For now, it seems like a McLaren-Apple hook up is no deal. But money talks! Time will tell!