"The Mercedes engine is least of our worries": Mclaren boss not worried about the power unit situation for 2026

McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently said that the Mercedes engine his team would be using from 2026 is the least of his concerns for the future. He praised the Silver Arrows power units while discussing the future of F1 after regulations change in 2025.

In November 2023, McLaren and Mercedes jointly announced their power unit partnership extension. They confirmed that the British team would buy power units from the Brackley-based team till 2030. This was a major move for the Papaya team as they were also looking toward Red Bull's new powertrains with Ford.

Speaking to the media recently, Brown talked about the future of F1 in 2025 and 2026. While addressing the topic of power units, the McLaren honcho said that he was confident that the Mercedes' new power unit would deliver in 2026. He added that since the Silver Arrows were satisfied with the 2026 power unit development, McLaren was also worryless.

Since the FIA mandated a major change in power units, every works team has already started developing their own engines for the future. Zak Brown added that his only worry in that regard is the lack of knowledge on how other teams are progressing in the 2026 power unit race. He said (as quoted by "RacingNews365"):

"I am excited and nervous at the same time, because you just don't know. I'm very confident on the Mercedes power unit side, so if I think about what keeps me up at night for 2026, it is just the unknown. The power unit is the least of our worries, and I feel very confident where Mercedes is in its development, and of course, you don't know where anyone else is. But they feel very good, so, therefore, we feel good," Brown said.

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McLaren boss admitted that he visited Red Bull power unit factory in Milton Keynes

Zak Brown opened up about why he went to the Red Bull powertrains factory before choosing Mercedes as their long-term engine supplier.

Speaking to "Motorsport.com" in July this year, Brown initially explained how he shared a great relationship with Ford and that the company's CEO, Jim Farley, was a good friend of his. He then admitted to visiting Red Bull's engine factory before going with Mercedes.

Lastly, he joked that he would no longer be welcome in the factory. This was a subtle hint towards some bold off-track comments he made against the defending world champions, saying how they don't respect FIA rules and regulations.

"I have a great relationship with Ford. Jim Farley is a friend of mine from historic car racing. We visited Red Bull Powertrains prior to choosing Mercedes, but I don't think I will be welcome there again for a while," Brown said (Translated from Dutch).

In the 2024 constructors' championship table, Red Bull continues to lead with 408 points, while McLaren is second with 366 points.