McLaren confirm new Mercedes F1 deal after Red Bull talks over switch

24 November 2023 , 09:21

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McLaren will continue to be powered by Mercedes F1 engines (Image: AP)

McLaren have committed to continue using Mercedes engines beyond the 2026 Formula 1 rule changes.

The Woking-based squad has been considering its options with the deal due to expire in two years' time. But McLaren have now penned a fresh extension with Mercedes until 2030.

"We are pleased to confirm a long-term renewal of our power unit deal with Mercedes-Benz into the new era of regulations," said team principal Andrea Stella. "We have great confidence in Mercedes and our relationship with them.

"They've supported our journey back to the front of the grid so far, and the security and stability this partnership brings is vital in ensuring we remain on this upward trajectory. I would like to thank them for their collaboration so far and we look forward to the years to come."

The two famous brands are long-term allies in the sport. Between 1995 and 2016 there was an uninterrupted deal between them for Mercedes to supply McLaren with engines, until the switch was made to Honda. That move did not bear fruit and they struck up a new deal in 2021 to return.

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New manufacturers will come into play when engine rules change for the 2026 season. Red Bull are making their own engines now, Honda are still keen to continue in the sport while Audi will be building the power units for when the Sauber outfit becomes their works team.

So McLaren were presented with plenty of options for the future. The team has been considering them all and chief executive Zak Brown was spotted visiting Red Bull's factory in Milton Keynes earlier this year, prompting rumours of a potential switch.

Aston Martin have already decided to switch away from Mercedes and will partner with Honda from 2026. But McLaren have chosen to commit to their current suppliers while the German manufacturer's other customers, Williams, have yet to make a decision.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: "It has been a cornerstone of our motorsport strategy to work with strong customer teams. This has many advantages - it gives a clear competitive benchmark, accelerates our technical learning, and strengthens the overall F1 business case for Mercedes-Benz.

"McLaren have been fierce and fair competitors since 2021, especially in the second half of this season. McLaren's strong performances underline the importance of transparent and equal supply to all customer teams in the sport, if we wish to achieve the goal of 10 teams capable of fighting for podium finishes."

Daniel Moxon