McLaren CEO says team may build own F1 engine if costs cut

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has stated the team would consider developing its own Formula 1 power unit if the sport adopts a financially viable engine formula in the future. The comments, made during the Indy 500 weekend, signal a potential long-term strategic shift for one of the sport’s most historic teams, which currently operates as a customer of Mercedes.

Brown emphasized that any move toward becoming a full-fledged manufacturer would be strictly contingent on costs being manageable. He clarified that McLaren remains satisfied with its current engine partnership, which is contracted through at least 2030. The possibility arises amid ongoing discussions within Formula 1 about future engine regulations, including a potential return to V8 engines running on sustainable fuels, which could debut as early as 2031.

The current power unit regulations, which fully took effect this year, have drawn criticism from drivers and fans for their complexity, particularly the balance between hybrid electrical systems and internal combustion engines. In response, Formula 1 has tentatively agreed to a change for 2027 that would shift the power balance to a 60-40 split in favor of the...