It has been reported US technology giant Apple has signalled its interest in a🅺cquiring the McLaren Technology Group with the company estimated to be valued between ?1bn and ?1.5bn.

Reports published in the Financial Times newspaper state Apple's intention to step into the automotive industry with the Brit💞ish supercar maker and Formula 1 team which could see a takeover or financial investment.

In 2015, McLaren changed its registered name 🍒from McLaren Group to McLaren Technology Group to bring it into line with its diversifying involvements as♊ Ron Dennis was named as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Apple has been developing a self-driving ele🔥ctric car but it is not clear whether any McLaren involvement wo💃uld include that particular project.

READ: Alon💎so always trusted McLaren but had ꧟too much hope in 2015

McLaren's car department has recently launched the 12C (2011🗹) and the P1 sports car (2013) with former McLaren Racing CEO Jonathan Neale the new COO having been appointed eꦍarlier this year.

McLaren currently sits si🏅xth in the F1 world constructors' championship and has s🌱cored 54 points in the opening 15 races of the season.