McLaren CEO Zak Brown has confirmed that the British team would seriously consider developing its own Formula 1 engine if the next generation of regulations proves financially sustainable and technologically attractive. His comments arrive at a time when the FIA is actively discussing major changes to the future direction of Formula 1 power units.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has publicly supported the idea of moving away from the current turbo-hybrid V6 engines in favour of a V8 configuration, with a possible introduction targeted for 2030 or, at the latest, 2031. According to Ben Sulayem, the proposed engine concept would be lighter, less complex, louder and ultimately more appealing for Formula 1 fans.
Speaking to a small group of media representatives after the Miami Grand Prix, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “I believe that when we introduce it, I feel even McLaren will make their own engine. They would not go to others. The reason they go to others now is because it is a complicated tool. They said: ‘It is better to buy what is available rather than introduce a new engine’.”
Zak Brown responds to FIA engine proposal
Interviewed during the Indy 500 weekend, Zak Brown responded positively to the FIA president’s comments, although he made it clear that any decision would depend entirely on the structure of the future Formula 1 regulations.
Zak Brown explained: “I think if you get an engine formula that is financially sustainable, then yes, we would consider it together with the technology. Having said that, we could not be happier with Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, so yes, if something is presented to us that first and foremost makes sense financially, then we would look at it.”
The McLaren chief also underlined the strength of the team’s current partnership with Mercedes. McLaren has been using Mercedes power units since 2021 under an agreement that runs until the end of the 2030 Formula 1 season.
Under Zak Brown’s leadership, McLaren has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in Formula 1, securing both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships during the 2025 campaign after already winning the constructors’ title in 2024.
Formula 1 engine debate intensifies
Alongside the longer-term discussions for 2030 and 2031, Formula 1 is also debating significant changes for the 2027 regulations. However, there are still divisions among power unit manufacturers regarding the direction the sport should take.
The regulations introduced this year increased the electric component of the power unit from 20% to 50%, triggering criticism from several drivers and teams. Max Verstappen has been among the most vocal critics of the new Formula 1 engine philosophy and has even hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the sport if major corrections are not introduced.
Much of the debate has focused on battery deployment, energy management and the fear that Formula 1 cars could become too dependent on energy-saving strategies instead of pure racing performance.
Zak Brown optimistic about Formula 1’s future
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding Formula 1’s future engine direction, Zak Brown insisted he remains confident about the health and long-term growth of the championship. He pointed to the quality of the racing spectacle, using the Miami Grand Prix as a recent example.
Zak Brown said: “No, because the on-track product is great. If you did not listen to the drivers and just watched on TV, the television product is fantastic. There is overtaking, five different leaders in Miami, overtakes for the lead, so I think the fans watching the race are saying: ‘This is one hell of an exciting race’.”
He added: “I think what has happened is typical of any new technology. We already saw it in Miami. We have seen that the drivers are, A, getting more used to it and, B, the rules are being refined. We may not bring it to a perfect place, but there has always been rule management, tyre management and now you have battery management.”
Zak Brown then concluded: “I think it has been taken to an extreme that the majority of the drivers do not enjoy, but it is still racing. … So I think this will smooth itself out and I think everything in Formula 1 has a 1000-times magnifying glass on it.”
The McLaren CEO ultimately expressed confidence that the current battery management concerns will gradually improve through regulatory refinements and natural adaptation, while maintaining that the Formula 1 television product and on-track excitement remain at a very high level despite the enormous scrutiny surrounding the sport.
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