McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated the Woking-based team would be open to developing its own Formula 1 power unit and becoming a full works outfit in the future.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has recently expressed support for a potential return to V8 engines with a reduced reliance on electrical power as early as the 2030 season.
Several manufacturers have reacted positively to the proposal, which could deliver a more engaging spectacle for fans due to the engines’ louder sound and simpler design.
Brown explained that if the cost of producing a competitive power unit were significantly reduced, McLaren would be willing to consider joining the ranks of Formula 1 engine manufacturers.
“I think if you got an engine formula that was financially viable then, yeah, we would consider it and the technology,” Brown told SBJ.
“That being said, we couldn’t be happier with Mercedes.
“If something is presented to us that first financially makes sense, then we’ll have a look at it.”
Discussion surrounding the next cycle of regulations comes amid growing criticism from several drivers regarding the current power units introduced this season.
Many competitors have expressed frustration at feeling powerless in wheel-to-wheel battles, with overtaking often determined by which driver has more battery energy available heading onto a straight
But defending the current rules, Brown said: “The racing is great, if you didn’t hear the drivers and were just watching on TV, the TV product is great.
“There’s passing, five different leaders in Miami, passes for the lead, so I think the fans watching the race are going, ’That’s a damn exciting race.’
“I think what happened is with any new technology. We already saw it in Miami. We’ve seen the drivers are getting, A, more used it to and, B, the rules are getting more refined.
“We’ll get them maybe not to a perfect place, but there’s always been rule management, tyre management [and] now you have battery management.”
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