Seven Months, Two Owners: McLaren Automotive Set For A Fresh Start With Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings

Earlier this year, Mumtalakat, Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund, bought the McLaren Group outright, including its supercar and racing divisions. But as of today, McLaren's automotive side already has a new potential owner. CYVN Holdings, based in Abu Dhabi, has entered into a non-binding agreement to acquire full ownership of McLaren Automotive.

If the deal goes through, it will mark McLaren's second ownership shift in just seven months. In addition to taking over the automotive division, CYVN Holdings would also gain a non-controlling stake in the larger McLaren Group, which oversees the racing operations.

Both companies plan to "explore a potential partnership," aiming to accelerate McLaren's electric vehicle advancements. Mumtalakat emphasized that CYVN's investment would provide “access to additional capital, advanced engineering expertise, and pioneering technology, particularly in the EV sector.”

Since Michael Leiters, former Ferrari CTO, took the reins as CEO of McLaren Automotive in 2022, the brand has rolled out the hybrid Artura, the 750S supercar, and the W1 hypercar—a successor to the iconic P1.

Leiters, however, hasn’t shied away from acknowledging McLaren's challenges, referring to the company’s “non-mature products” prior to his arrival. This past year, quality issues led him to temporarily pause Artura's sales to address these concerns.

With CYVN’s support, McLaren's future could include even more diverse offerings. Previously, the brand hinted at the possibility of a front-wheel-drive sports car and even an electric SUV, both potential game-changers. Whether those concepts move forward under new ownership remains to be seen.