McLaren has been using Mercedes-supplied power units since 2021 after terms with Renault and Honda.
The engine regulations are bound to change in 2026. All the teams on the grid will be looking upon this opportunity to get the best engine under the hood. As most of the manufacturers will have to start from square one.
Audi is also entering the sport with its own power unit alongside Sauber team. On the other hand, Red bull will be parting ways with Honda and joining hands with Ford as the new engine partner.
So far Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull Ford, Renault, Audi and Honda are the six manufacturers that will be supplying the power units in 2026. This means the 10 teams on the grid have six options to choose their engines from.
McLaren leaving the Mercedes hand
Back in 2020, McLaren parted ways with Honda to join hands with Mercedes. The duo have been together since 2021 and the partnership has resulted in only 1 win in this period.
Although, the team admit to be happy with the partnership, McLaren boss Zak Brown has indicated that the team is looking at other options. Specifically, the Woking based squad is looking for a better opportunity given the limited success with the current deal:
“We’re very happy with Mercedes, We have some time to decide what we want to do in ’26 and beyond,” said Brown.
“I think it’s exciting for Formula 1 that you have as many manufacturers coming into the sport. I think that shows the growth and excitement for the sport.
“So it’s something that Andreas [Stella] and I are in the process of slowly reviewing. We’re not in a big rush and we are very happy with Mercedes. So we’ll see how things play out over the next year or so before we need to make a decision.”
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