McLaren issue explanation behind Mercedes engine upgrade introduction delay

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has explained why the Woking-based outfit is without Mercedes' upgraded engine, which he insists is needed.

The papaya outfit has struggled to compete consistently with Mercedes this campaign, often finding itself a few tenths adrift.

Mercedes' latest power unit is one of the strongest on the grid and is being used not only by the Silver Arrows but also by their customer teams, with the exception of McLaren.

Brown is eager for McLaren to receive the upgraded engine to make a key step forward and challenge for race victories, although he is not ruling out a title challenge just yet.

McLaren has significant catching up to do in both the drivers' and constructors' championships, but it will soon receive Mercedes' upgraded engine.

Asked if this season feels like 2024, Brown replied: "I hadn’t really thought about comparing it to any particular season but we’re a third of the way through, so we’ve seen over the last couple of years how much a championship can swing. 

"So I think the Constructors’, I think the Drivers’ is open. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us but it looks like the top four teams will have, I think we’ll all win races this year, the field will tighten up, and we just need to get some more development on the car. 

"We need to get the current Mercedes engine. We’re the only one without the new engine, which will be coming for us shortly. 

"So I think when you put those all together, if we can find some tenths here and there, then hopefully we’ll be able to take it to Fred and company."

McLaren being without Mercedes' latest engine is not through a decision not to use it, but more to do with its current engines still having considerable mileage available. 

With only a certain number of engine components permitted per season before incurring a penalty, McLaren must wait until it requires an engine change to introduce Mercedes' latest model.

Discussing why McLaren is without Mercedes' newest engine, Brown explained: "You’ve got to cycle through your engines and we’ve got life left on our current engines, so we need to wait till we do an engine change. 

"Williams got theirs because Carlos had his issues. He needed an engine change. I don’t recall exactly the scenario but I think you’ve got two of them. So, it’s just a timing sequence."