Will McLaren and Mercedes part ways in 2026? 'Things are developing fast'

Six manufacturers have so far signed up as engine suppliers for the 2026 Formula 1 season, including Honda. While it is not yet clear which team the Japanese manufacturer wants to supply to, speculation is growing about a possible reunion with McLaren. Zak Brown comments on the rumours to GPblog and others.

McLaren looking at options for 2026

Currently McLaren still gets its engines from Mercedes, but that may change with the introduction of the new engine regulations. Brown stresses that his team is still working with Mercedes to its full satisfaction, but acknowledges that McLaren is keeping its options open for 2026. "We're very happy with our relationship with Mercedes and everyone at H.P.P. They've done an excellent job, it's a great collaboration," he explains.

It is therefore certainly not said that the British racing team will opt for another supplier, but it is a possibility. "Andrea and I are now starting to think about 2026 and beyond, we're in no rush," continued the McLaren CEO, who added that he finds the rapid developments within the sport "exciting".

"I can't recall the last time there was that amount of manufacturers so Andrea and I will work through the year to figure out what we think is going make us most competitive in 2026 and beyond. Right now we're laser-focused on 2023 but we've got some time to decide," Brown concludes.