McLaren might develop its own F1 engine as part of a V8 revival initiative.
McLaren may eventually follow in Red Bull's footsteps to become a full manufacturer of Formula 1 engines, but this would be contingent on a return to simpler V8-style power units. This prospect arose after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem publicly suggested it while discussing the governing body's proposed regulations for 2030 or 2031. The FIA is strongly advocating for a shift away from the current highly complex hybrid systems toward lighter, louder, and less electrically reliant V8 engines.
"I believe that once we introduce it, even McLaren will produce their own engine," Ben Sulayem stated to Sports Business Journal. "They currently purchase engines as it is a complex unit."
McLaren CEO Zak Brown did not rule out this possibility: "If an engine formula emerges that is financially viable, we would definitely consider it," Brown confirmed. "If something is offered to us that makes financial sense, we will evaluate it."
At present, McLaren utilizes customer engines from Mercedes and is contracted through 2030. However, their partnership has shown tension since the introduction of the significantly more electric-powered 2026 engines in Formula 1. Earlier this season, McLaren expressed frustration over the challenges customer teams face in fully understanding and optimizing the complex hybrid systems without comprehensive access from the manufacturer.
These remarks come amid growing political discussions regarding the future direction of Formula 1's engines. "The racing is great," Brown emphasized, referencing the contentious start of the new engine era in 2026. "If you were just watching on TV and didn’t hear the drivers, the viewing experience is great. There’s overtaking, changes for the lead, and different leaders."
Brown believes the controversy surrounding the situation is partly exaggerated simply because it is Formula 1. "Everything in Formula 1 is scrutinized to an extreme level," he remarked. Nonetheless, he admitted that the regulations leaning heavily on batteries might have gone too far. "I think it has reached a point where the majority of drivers don’t enjoy it," he conceded. "It’s still racing. We might not achieve perfection, but there has always been management of rules, tires, and now batteries."
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