McLaren F1 team is exploring a surprise Red Bull engine move for the near future
McLaren CEO, Zak Brown was recently spotted at the Red Bull factory in Milton-Keynes.
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Zak Brown and Christian Horner
McLaren is an iconic name in Formula 1. The British outfit is trying to get back to the top after spending almost a decade in the midfield. The Woking-based team entered a decline ever since it lost its works team status with Mercedes in 2010. Despite having a positive relationship with the Silver Arrows currently. McLaren is reported to be pondering over a new engine supplier from 2026.
The team’s CEO, Zak Brown is rumored to have made a visit to Red Bull Powertrains recently. Brown is said to be in talks with Red Bull for a Powerunit supply deal with F1’s new regulations in 2026. Further, a Red Bull spokesperson confirmed Zak’s visit to the Austrian team’s factory. Although, it is speculated that such a deal is still in the initial stages as McLaren contemplates its options.
Interestingly, the Woking-based team was at the forefront of taking action against Red Bull after Christian Horner‘s team breached the cost cap. Subsequently, any developments in this rather unholy alliance can indeed come as a shock to fans. Presently, fans will just have to wait and see how this bid unfolds. Though a McLaren Red Bull-Ford car surely be an intriguing combination.
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McLaren open to new engine partners for 2026
The British marquee is presently using Mercedes Powerunits. Its deal with the Silver Arrows started in 2021 and will continue till 2025. Although, on the future of an engine deal, Brown told the media, “We have some time to decide what we want to do in 2026 and beyond.” The 51-year-old mentioned having discussions with Team Principal, Andrea Stella in this regard.
Zak stated, “It’s something that (McLaren team principal) Andrea (Stella) and I are in the process of slowly reviewing.” Moreover, Brown stated the team’s satisfaction with the Silver Arrows. He concluded, “We’re not in a big rush and we are very happy with Mercedes.” McLaren has also been linked to a return to Honda for 2026. Although the Japanese manufacturer presently does not have concrete plans to enter F1 in 2026.
Thus, it seems that McLaren is ready to consider all its options before committing to an engine deal for 2026. Zak Brown is on a mission to fight for the championship with the British outfit. Subsequently, the team will take it’s time to truly analyze all the manufacturers and decide on who would be the best for its F1 ambitions.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2435 Articles Published)