McLaren and Mercedes renew allegiance in multi-year deal

McLaren has extended its power unit supplier deal with Mercedes until at least 2030.

The team has become the first customer to commit to an engine maker for 2026, when the new regulations are set to be introduced.

These power units will utilise 50% internal combustion power and 50% electrical power, delivering a maximum output of 1000bhp. They will also run on 100% sustainable fuel, a first in Formula 1 after it made the switch to E10 fuels in 2022.

McLaren has a long-standing history of utilising Mercedes power having used them between 1994 and 2014, then switching back in 2021 after difficult periods with Honda and Renault.

"Mercedes-Benz have been a brilliant and reliable partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team," CEO Zak Brown explained.

"The extension signifies the confidence that our shareholders and the wider team have in their powertrains and the direction we’re taking with them into the new era of regulations ahead.

"We have been successful together, both in the last three seasons and when they previously powered the team, so we look forward to the success to come as we continue our journey to fight consistently at the front of the grid.”

Wolff: McLaren partnership key for Mercedes

McLaren has been one of the teams to turn around its fortunes in 2023, emerging as one of the key front runners to challenge the dominant Red Bull.

Mercedes Team Principal and Head of Motorsport Toto Wolff believes the partnership will be vital in their development, as they compete with five other manufacturers.

“It has been a cornerstone of our motorsport strategy to work with strong customer teams,” explained Wolff.

“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 has been fierce and fair competitor 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."