McLaren denies rumours of talks with Apple

The Financial Times claims Apple has started negotiations with the McLaren Technology Group over what has been described as either 'a strategic investment' or 'full takeover'.

The McLaren Technology Group comprises three separate components - the Formula 1 team, McLaren Automotive that manufactures its range of sports cars, and McLaren Applied Technologies, involved in electronics expertise.

When contacted about the Apple reports, a McLaren spokesperson said: "We can confirm McLaren is not in discussion with Apple in respect of any potential investment.

"As you would expect, the nature of our brand means we regularly have confidential conversations with a wide range of parties, but we keep them confidential."

Apple is understood to have been looking at the manufacture of a self-driving electric car for some time, although the project is believed to have tailed off of late.

The suggestion is Apple is instead now more focused on the development of the system behind such a car, rather than manufacturing the car itself.

That is where the Applied Technologies arm of the McLaren Technology Group would serve a purpose.