Reportedly, McLaren has approached Red Bull’s Formula 1 team for a collaboration. With the new engine regulations for 2026 looming, there are doubts in Woking about the capabilities of their current supplier, Mercedes. A deal with Red Bull, which will soon be developing power units with Ford’s assistance, would be remarkable; McLaren has been nothing but critical of the Austrians in recent weeks.
According to the renowned platform Auto, Motor und Sport, McLaren has shown interest in a partnership with Red Bull. The latter is currently only building engines for its own racing team and sister team, Visa RB. Meanwhile, McLaren’s current supplier, Mercedes, is in pole position to also provide Alpine with propulsion in the future. In Woking, there are doubts whether the French newcomers will hinder the development of the new engines.
Interest from McLaren
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has previously admitted to being in contact with Ford, the automotive giant that will partner with Red Bull from 2026. “I have a good relationship with Jim Farley (CEO of Ford),” said Brown. “I have visited their factories before, but that was before we extended our deal with Mercedes.” The McLaren team has a contract with Mercedes until 2030.
Surprising Interest in Rivals
It is surprising that McLaren would show interest in a deal with their biggest rivals at this time. In recent weeks, Zak Brown has been particularly critical of Red Bull. Moreover, partnering with an unproven engine supplier is a significant gamble, although Christian Horner is currently very satisfied with the development of the future power source.
