Rumor: McLaren eyeing Cadillac, Red Bull and Honda engines for 2026 (2nd Update)

Asked to confirm the reports of Zak Brown’s visit, Christian Horner said: “I thought he was coming for lunch!

“As a powertrain manufacturer for 2026, it’s inevitable that discussions are going to be had regarding potential powertrain supply.

“That’s only natural that we would speak with potential customers.”

New McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said: “We have a solid partnership with HPP.

“At the same time, it is obvious that looking further forward, you want to understand what’s available.

“That’s natural. It shouldn’t be much of a surprise.”

“We’re very happy with Mercedes.

“We have some time to decide what we want to do in 2026… It’s something that Andrea and I are in the process of slowly reviewing.

“We’re not in a big rush and we are very happy with Mercedes.

“So, we’ll see how things play out in the next year or so before we need to make a decision.”

(GMM) Zak Brown is keeping an open mind about the identity of McLaren’s next engine supplier.

Currently, the Woking based team uses a customer Mercedes power unit on a contract that runs until the end of the current rules period to 2025.

Beyond that, there is talk of a reunion with Honda, as the Japanese manufacturer is staying in Formula 1 for the all-new 2026 rules while Red Bull moves to a Ford collaboration.

There have also been rumours that Brown, the McLaren CEO, recently visited the new Red Bull Powertrains facility.

“We are very happy with Mercedes,” he insists. “We still have time to decide what we want to do for 2026 and beyond.”

Another new engine manufacturer intending to race in 2026, in works collaboration with Sauber, is Audi.

“I think it’s good for Formula 1 that there are so many brands that want to come in,” Brown said. “It clearly shows the growth of the sport.

“It’s definitely something that Andrea (Stella) and I are discussing. But we’re in no hurry and we’re happy with Mercedes so we’ll see how it plays out next year before we make a decision.”

Rumor had it that McLaren boss Zak Brown has had preliminary discussions with several engine suppliers for 2026:

Red Bull – Ford:  Brown has visited Milton Keynes for discussions

Honda: After their nasty divorce, yes they are talking again

GM/Cadillac: Rumors are there have been preliminary discussions, this is in addition Cadillac’s partnership with the Andretti team. No word yet on whether Cadillac will develop the engine with Ilmor, which our sources say is possible, badge the Honda or badge the Renault

Mercedes: They could just stick with their existing engine supplier

Mark Cipolloni reporting for AutoRacing1.com