Present at Le Mans a year before the launch of the future Hypercar program McLaren in the World ChampionshipEndurance (WEC), Zak Brown was interviewed by CARhebdo on the possibility of one day seeing the brand become an engine manufacturer Formula 1This is a perspective that regularly accompanies discussions around McLaren’s development in several disciplines, but it does not seem to be relevant at the moment.

“Having our own engine in F1 is not necessarily a goal.””This is a very important distinction,” stated the CEO of McLaren Racing. The American executive was keen to differentiate the Hypercar project from the Formula 1 program. “This is simply the way we wanted to engage here at Le Mans and in the WEC,” he explained.

Currently, McLaren maintains a strong relationship with Mercedes Benz High Performance Powertrains, which has been supplying the team’s engines since 2021. A collaboration that has accompanied the team’s return to the forefront in recent seasons. “We are very happy with Mercedes HPP, with whom we have just won two world titles.”The American pointed out that, under these circumstances, developing an in-house power unit does not appear to be a priority for the Woking-based company.

“It doesn’t really make financial sense for us.”

Beyond the sporting aspect, the McLaren boss is particularly focused on the financial question. Despite the arrival of the new engine regulations in 2026, designing and running a Formula 1 engine remains a colossal investment. “In Formula 1, developing your own engine is a very expensive proposition that doesn’t really make financial sense for us.”he emphasized. A position that contrasts with that of Audi, which entered the market as both a manufacturer and engine supplier in 2026, or even of Red Bull, which created Red Bull Powertrains with the support of Ford.

However, Zak Brown does not completely rule out this possibility in the long term. “If the context changes, then that would be an interesting prospect.”he acknowledges. But he immediately clarifies his thinking: “I wouldn’t call that a goal.”

For now, McLaren prefers to rely on a well-established engine partner while focusing its resources on developing its chassis. This strategy has paid off, as McLaren has secured, as Zak Brown pointed out, the last two Constructors’ titles and the Drivers’ title in 2025. Lando Norris.

Comments collected by Cyprien Juilhard, in Le Mans. 

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