Formula 1 with the tests in Bahrain is officially back but if the gaze on one side is fixed on the action on the track, on the other it is already projected to the future, in particular to 2026. McLaren has been on everyone's lips for weeks, and the reason is related to the lack of clarity on the engine issue since 2026. The team is still in the process of assessments, and as reported by IndependentMcLaren CEO Zak Brown is said to have visited the headquarters of the Red Bull PowerTrains engine division in early February. Perhaps to talk about a potential deal ahead of the new engine regulation.
McLaren looks around
Of the 4 current engine makers, McLaren is linked to Mercedes as regards the supply of Power Units. But the scenario for 2026 is quite different. Audi has joined, and Red Bull and Honda have separated. One of the alternatives therefore lies precisely in the Japanese brand, a former one for McLaren. Honda, registered in the register of motorists is in fact looking of a team to provide. Red Bull has made it clear that it wants to continue the adventure in Formula 1 without the support of the Japanese. Focusing on the partnership with Ford.
"We have some time to decide what we want to do in 2026 and beyond. It's something that (McLaren team principal) Andrea (Stella) and I are slowly revising. We are not in a great hurry and we are very happy with Mercedes" Brown had declared during the presentation of the MCL60 last week. His visit to the Red Bull headquarters in Milton Keynes, confirmed by a Red Bull spokesman, would therefore open up an interesting and even quite bizarre scenario considering the friction and controversy on the budget cap issue between Brown and Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal.
At the moment there is only an indiscretion left but we will see if the picture becomes clearer in the coming weeks.
