McLaren Dissatisfied with Mercedes F1
McLaren is publicly criticizing Mercedes for withholding key technical information as an engine supplier, putting them at a disadvantage [https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/48153423/mclaren-williams-critical-lack-mercedes-f1-engine-information, https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12040/13516648/mclaren-team-boss-andrea-stella-reveals-discontent-at-lack-of-information-being-provided-by-engine-supplier-mercedes, https://www.planetf1.com/news/andrea-stella-mercedes-power-unit-gap-mclaren, https://www.autohebdof1.com/news/f1/Mercedes-McLaren-engine-highlights-the-opacity-of-its-partner%3B-this-is-not-how-one-works-in-F1..html]. Team principal Andrea Stella is calling for closer cooperation to maximize their power unit’s potential. Will this lead to McLaren switching engine suppliers in the future?
McLaren's history with Mercedes dates back to 1995 when Mercedes became their engine supplier, a partnership that lasted until 2014. During that time, Mercedes even owned 40% of the McLaren team. McLaren then switched to Honda engines in 2015, followed by Renault in 2018, before reuniting with Mercedes in 2021. The current agreement with Mercedes extends through 2030. Andrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, joined McLaren in 2015 as Head of Race Operations. He was promoted to Performance Director in 2018 and Racing Director in 2019. Stella took over as team principal in 2023. Stella previously worked at Ferrari for many years, including as race engineer for Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen. For the 2026 season, Formula 1 is introducing new engine regulations with a greater emphasis on battery power and sustainable fuels. The power units will have a 50:50 split between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, targeting a combined output of over 1000 horsepower. McLaren will continue to use Mercedes engines in 2026, along with the Mercedes works team, Williams, and Alpine. Other engine suppliers in 2026 include Ferrari (powering Ferrari, Haas, and Cadillac), Red Bull Ford Powertrains (powering Red Bull and Racing Bulls), and Honda (exclusively powering Aston Martin). Audi will also enter as a power unit manufacturer. The new regulations aim for carbon neutrality by 2030.
