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Surprising Call to McLaren: 'Develop Your Own Engine'
A bold suggestion has emerged that McLaren should take things a step further and consider developing its own Formula 1 power unit.
By Patrick Koster - 2026-07-15T15:04:10.000Z - 1 min read
Within the Formula 1 paddock, where teams' strategic moves are under constant scrutiny, a notable suggestion has recently been directed at McLaren. The Woking-based outfit, traditionally one of the sport's powerhouse names, is being urged to consider a fundamental shift in direction.
The core of this call is clear: the team needs to 'grow up' by shaking off its reliance on external engine suppliers. In concrete terms, this means taking the plunge into designing and building its own Formula 1 engine in-house.
Setting up a proprietary engine program is a massive undertaking, financially as well as in terms of infrastructure and expertise. For McLaren, it would demand an enormous investment in facilities, personnel, and years of development, matching the efforts of current engine manufacturers.
The strategic impact of such a decision would be far-reaching. It would grant McLaren total control over their chassis-engine package, which in theory could lead to optimal integration and performance. At the same time, it carries all the associated responsibility and risks.