Based on announcements from both parties on Friday, the McLaren team, competing in the Formula 1 World Championship, confirmed its continued use of Mercedes engines until at least 2030. The regulations governing Formula 1 team engines are set to change in 2026, making McLaren the first team to confirm its commitment to continue using the Mercedes engine alongside the German manufacturer following the implementation of the new regulations.
Currently, the McLaren team is led by British driver Lando Norris and Australian driver Oscar Piastri. Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff stated in a press release ahead of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi: "Working with strong customers (teams) is one of the key pillars of our motorsport strategy. This has several advantages. It establishes a clear competitive margin, enhances our technical knowledge, and strengthens Mercedes' overall activity in Formula 1."
McLaren is currently in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of Aston Martin, which also uses Mercedes engines but will switch to Honda engines in 2026. The Williams team also uses Mercedes engines, while the new engine era starting in 2026 may see an increase in the number of engine manufacturers from the current four to about seven. The current manufacturers include Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Red Bull/Honda, with Audi expected to join in 2026 and Red Bull entering a new partnership with Ford.
General Motors has submitted a formal request to the FIA to provide engines for a proposed team named "Andretti Cadillac" starting in 2028. The new power units from 2026 will consist of hybrid engines based on 50% internal combustion and 50% electricity. McLaren has used Mercedes engines since 2021, having previously partnered with the German manufacturer from 1995 to 2014.
McLaren CEO Andrea Stella stated: "We have great confidence in Mercedes and our relationship with them. Mercedes has supported our journey back to the front so far. The security and stability this partnership brings is a vital element to ensure we continue on this upward trajectory." McLaren is the last non-manufacturer team to win a race in the championship, achieving this at the Italian Grand Prix in 2021, and has stood on the podium 15 times in the last three seasons. McLaren racing director Zak Brown remarked: "The contract extension with Mercedes reflects the confidence of the shareholders and the broader team in the engine manufacturers and the direction we are heading with them during the new regulations era."
