McLaren in talks with Red Bull as 2026 engine partner

The 2023 season has only just started, but eyes are already on 2026 and its new generation of engines. Many manufacturers are involved in this new era: Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, Honda, Renault… And Red Bull, in partnership with Ford. Building on its title in last year's Constructors, doubled by the coronation of Max Verstappen, the power unit of Christian Horner's team seems to be interested.

Among them, McLaren, powered again by Mercedes since 2021. After a twenty-year association between the two franchises, the Papaya team joined forces with Honda in 2015. But this marriage was quickly aborted for lack of results. McLaren will mark Renault's engine from 2018 to 2020, before returning under the star of the German manufacturer... but for how long? “ We have a strong partnership with HPP [Mercedes High Performance Powertrains]. At the same time, it is okay to consider all options in the long term. So I think it's natural, it shouldn't be surprising » confirms Andrea Stella, director of the Woking garage, asked about the potential discussions held between him and the boss of the Red Bull house. Zak Brown, CEO of the British franchise, was also seen in the paddock of the reigning world champions. “ I thought he was coming for lunch », laughs Horner.

« Obviously, as an engine manufacturer in 2026, some discussions are taking place about a potential engine supplier, and it's natural to see us talking with potential customers », continues the director of Le Taureau rouge. For the moment, the Red Bull Powertrains powertrain is only found in the single-seaters of the Austrian team and those of its little Italian sister, Alpha Tauri. 

Six engine manufacturers in F1 in 2026

At the beginning of February, the International Automobile Federation published the list of registered manufacturers, where the presence of Honda contrasted with the absence of Porsche. " Having so many engine manufacturers in the sport, I think it's a good thing for the Formula 1, enthuses Horner. We are going to welcome Audi and, as Red Bull-Ford, we are going to start a new chapter, which adds to the incumbents. »

But the team boss does not lose sight of the challenges that come with the arrival of new engine manufacturers in the premier category: “ We need to ensure the quality of our product for 2026 because with all the new people involved, we need to make sure that the engine and chassis regulations are matched, that the product we have will not be compromised, or that it doesn't disrupt the way of racing that these cars are establishing. »

Everyone therefore places their pawns on the chessboard of engine manufacturers available by 2026. James Vowles, for his part, also declared that Williams will choose its engine partner this year, currently using the Mercedes powertrain.

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