Rumors suggest McLaren F1 might switch to a Red Bull engine in 2026 as speculation grows.
McLaren is exploring an option to potentially drop the Mercedes engine for the next regulatory period starting in 2026.
Last November, the Woking-based team had extended its agreement with Mercedes until 2030.
However, with Alpine now considering ending its Renault engine program, Mercedes is the frontrunner to secure another customer contract (Aston Martin freeing up a spot by partnering with Honda).
McLaren and Williams are reportedly “nervous” about whether Mercedes can handle a third client for the more complex hybrid power units required from 2026.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has acknowledged visiting the headquarters of the new Red Bull Powertrains project, which is being set up in collaboration with Ford.
“I have a great relationship with Jim Farley (CEO of Ford). We met last year and subsequently visited the factory. That was before we decided to extend our contract with Mercedes.”
However, Brown has remained in contact with Red Bull and Ford since then. Might he visit the factory a second time and change his mind? He jokes, without denying.
Brown, who has recently been very critical of Christian Horner, the Red Bull team boss, smiled: “I don’t think I’d like to be seen there right now!”
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Is McLaren F1 considering a Red Bull engine for 2026? Is McLaren F1 considering a Red Bull engine for 2026?
